Resection hip arthroplasty for malignant pelvic tumor - Outcome in 5 patients followed more than 2 years

We describe the technique and outcome of resection hip arthroplasty with ex ternal fixator for malignant pelvic tumors involving the innominate bone. W e used the procedure in 5 patients, all followed for more than 2 years, 4 o f the patients are alive and 1 died of pulmonary metastasis. None of the pa tients experienced local tumor recurrence or infection. Lower limb function in 3 of the 5 patients was more than 70% with Enneking's criteria (Ennekin g et al. 1993). These 3 patients could walk without support and passively f lex the hip up to 90 degrees. This resection hip arthroplasty allows early weight bearing with hip motion. We believe it is an excellent alternative t o other procedures, such as endoprosthetic replacement, reconstruction with allograft or arthrodesis.