Acetabular reconstruction with an ice-cream cone prosthesis following resection of pelvic tumors: Does computer navigation improve surgical outcome?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acetabular reconstruction with a coned-stem prosthesis has been one of the reliable procedures following pelvic tumor resections but is associated with a risk of complications and postoperative morbidity. We investigated whether navigated reconstruction could decrease the complication rate and optimize outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 33 patients who underwent acetabular resection and reconstruction with ice-cream cone prostheses; outcomes were compared between the navigated and nonnavigated groups. RESULTS: A clear margin was obtained in 91% and 82% of the navigated and nonnavigated groups, respectively. The local recurrence (LR) rate was 12%, and all LRs occurred in the nonnavigated group. The rate of major complications requiring surgical intervention was significantly lower in the navigated group (9%) than in the nonnavigated group (50%; P = .024). Two implant failures occurred in the nonnavigated group. Functional outcomes were significantly correlated with the occurrence of major complications (P = .010) and the use of navigation (P = .043); superior functional scores were observed in the navigated group (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, 73% vs 55%; Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, 73% vs 56%). CONCLUSION: Ice-cream cone prosthesis is an acceptable reconstruction modality following periacetabular tumor resections, and computer navigation are useful to facilitate proper resection margins and implant position.