Endoprosthetic reconstruction for lower extremity soft tissue sarcomas with bone involvement

Background and ObjectivesBone resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR) in the setting of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) management is rare and incurs unique challenges. We aim to report on the surgical and oncological outcomes of this relatively previously undocumented cohort. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective review of prospectively collected data for patients who required EPRs following resection of STSs of the lower extremity. Following inclusion criteria, we assessed 29 cases of EPR for primary STS of the lower limb. ResultsThe mean age was 54 years (range 18-84). Of the 29 patients, there were 6 total femur, 11 proximal femur, 4 intercalary, and 8 distal femur EPRs. Fourteen of 29 patients (48%) underwent re-operations for surgical complications, with 9 relating to infection (31%). When a matched cohort analysis was performed comparing our cohort to STSs that did not necessitate EPR, a reduced rate of overall survival and metastasis-free survival was found in those requiring EPR. ConclusionThis series identifies a high rate of complication from EPRs performed for STS. Patients should be cautioned about the high rate of infection, surgical complications, and lower overall survival in this setting.