BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We investigated implant revision, implant failure, and amputation risk after limb-sparing bone tumor surgery using the Global Modular Replacement System (GMRS) tumor prosthesis in patients suffering from bone sarcomas (BS), giant cell tumors (GCT), or metastatic bone disease (MBD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of a nationwide consecutive cohort (n = 119, 47 [12-81] years, M/F = 65/54) having limb-sparing surgery and reconstruction using the GMRS tumor prosthesis due to bone tumors (BS/GCT/MBD = 70/8/41) from 2005 to 2013. Anatomical locations were as followed: distal femur (n = 49), proximal femur (n = 41), proximal tibia (n = 26), or total femur (n = 3). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and competing risk analysis with death as a competing risk were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: For BS and GCT patients, 5-year patient survival was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59-85%) and for MBD 33% (95% CI: 19-48%). Thirty-two patients underwent revision surgery (5-year revision incidence 14%; 95% CI: 8-21%). Twelve patients had revision of bone-anchored parts (implant failure) with a 5-year revision incidence 6% (95% CI: 2-10%). Ten amputations were performed due to local relapse (n = 9) or recurrent infections (n = 1) with a 5-year incidence of amputation: 8% (95% CI: 3-13%).

CONCLUSIONS: We identified a low risk of revision and amputation when using the GMRS tumor prosthesis for limb-sparing bone tumor.