TWO STAGE REVISIONS FOR INFECTED ENDOPROSTHESES FOR BONE TUMOURS

34 two-stage revision procedures were carried out between 1989 and 1998 for controlling deep infection following resection of bone tumours and reconstruction with endoprostheses. In 4 cases the procedure failed with early recurrent infection. In six others infection reappeared after further operative procedures. Six of these ten patients required amputation. The success of the procedure in controlling infection was 75% at 5 years. Two stage revision procedures have proved effective in controlling infection in massive endoprostheses but the risk of re-infection appears to be much greater in patients requiring further surgery for any cause.