MANAGEMENT OF CHONDROSARCOMA INCLUDING MODULAR CERAMIC AND ALUMINA PROSTHETIC REPLACEMENT

Forty-one cases of chondrosarcoma from varying sites throughout the bo dy, and treated exclusively by one of the authors (R. L. H.) from 1972 to 1990 were reviewed. The symptoms, signs, location of tumours, trea tment and progress are presented. Particular attention was paid to mod ular bone replacement techniques. Excision and reconstruction of the b one or joint were carried out in 17 femora, five tibia and six humeri. Comparison between this method of management and other techniques is Titanium and alumina prostheses for the hip, femur, tibia, shoulder an d humerus have been designed by the senior author. These are both iner t and modular, and have been found to be superior to other methods of treatment in both function and cosmesis. They do not possess the same potential donor infection risks and other disadvantages of allograft r eplacement. Immediate postoperative weight bearing and mobilization ar e possible with these systems. The Huckstep prostheses allow for bony ingrowth into their porous coated alumina sleeves, spacers and stems. In addition, the titanium alloy locking component for the femoral stem s has an elasticity half that of other metal alloys and this was found to minimize stress shielding.