Current results of tumour endoprosthetics in adolescents and adults

Background The majority of osteoarticular defects after tumor resection in adolescent and adult patients are reconstructed using megaendoprosthetic implants. However, even infant and pre-teen children undergo reconstruction of defects using so-called growing prostheses with an increasing frequency. Objectives Presentation of current techniques, outcomes and the most common complications of megaendoprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection. Methods Selective literature review and discussion of current concepts and knowledge in megaendoprosthetic reconstruction against personal experience and treatment strategies. Results Megaendoprosthetic reconstructions achieve good functional results and long-term limb salvage (ca. 90% of cases) in adolescent and adult patients. Still, periprosthetic infection and mechanical failure of joint components are among the most common complications observed. In infant and pre-teen children treated by reconstruction using a growing prosthesis, mandatory maintenance operations-in the process of elongating the implant-must also be considered when assessing complication risks. Conclusions Megaendoprosthetic reconstructions of osteoarticular defects are a standard procedure in adolescent and adult patients. Despite a substantial complication rate, limb salvage is achieved in a majority of patients. When using growing prostheses in younger children, one needs to be aware of additional servicing procedures that occur independently of those arising from complications.