RECONSTRUCTION IN METASTATIC DESTRUCTION OF THE ACETABULUM - SUPPORT RINGS AND ARTHROPLASTY IN 12 PATIENTS

In 12 patients with acetabular metastases, we reconstructed the hip wi th a support ring, cement, and Charnley prosthesis with a 22 mm head. There were no immediate postoperative deaths or cardiovascular complic ations. Dislocations occurred in 5 patients, 1 of whom required open r eduction. At follow-up, 3 patients were alive 11, 15, and 18 months af ter surgery. 9 patients died after 8 (2-13) months. All patients obtai ned relief from pain, became ambulatory and were discharged to their h omes. 1 patient had rapid disease progression with pathologic fracture and cranial dislocation of the support ring. Among the remaining 11 p atients, the hip has not again caused pain or limited function. There were no signs of loosening, except in the patient with fracture of the hemipelvis. Remineralization was observed in 2 breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. Hip reconstruction can restore painless function until death in cancer patients with severe destruction of the acetabul um.