Functional outcome and complications following reconstruction for Harrington class II and III periacetabular metastasis

Functional and Survival Outcomes of Patients following the Harrington Procedure for Complex Acetabular Metastatic Lesions

Background: The Harrington surgical technique makes it possible to manage complex, extensive bone lesions using pins and cement to consolidate bone for acetabular cup positioning. However, it may be associated with a high reoperation rate, and the functional results of this surgery are not precisely described in the literature. Methods: In a monocentric retrospective study including all patients operated on using the Harrington procedure associated with THA between 2005 and 2020, we aimed to assess preoperative and postoperative function, reoperation-free survival, and overall survival. Results: Functional improvement was significant for Parker scores (preoperative: 3.6 ± 2.0; 6-month follow-up: 6.6 ± 3.2; 12-month follow-up: 7.6 ± 2.1) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores (preoperative: 31.1 ± 16.2%; 6-month follow-up: 67.7 ± 30.6%; 12-month follow-up: 82.4 ± 24.0%). Of the 21 patients included, the reoperation-free survival rate was 76.1% [CI 95%: 58.1–99.7] at six and twelve months, with the main complications being pin migration (50.0%) and infection (25%). The patient overall survival rate was 76.2% [95% CI: 59.9–96.7] at six months and 61.9% [95% CI: 59.9–96.7] at 12 months. Discussion: These results underlined significant functional improvements following a conventional Harrington procedure, with acceptable reoperation rates.

Periacetabular Tumour Resection under Anterosuperior Iliac Spine Allows Better Alloprosthetic Reconstruction than Above: Bone Contact Matters

Background: Periacetabular resections are more affected by late complications than other pelvic resections. Reconstruction using bone allograft is considered a suitable solution. However, it is still not clear how the bone-allograft contact surface impacts on mechanical and functional outcome. Materials and methods: This paper presents the results of a retrospective analysis of 33 patients with resection of the entire acetabulum and reconstruction with an allograft-prosthetic composite for the period 1999 to 2010. Patients were divided in two groups, based on type of resection. In Group 1. patients had resections under anterosuperior iliac spine allowing the highest bone-allograft surface contact in reconstruction, while in Group 2 patients had resections over it. Results: Mechanical survival of the implant and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score were calculated. Impact of age and artificial ligament were investigated as well. Patients in Group 1 had 38% mechanical failure rate of the implant while patients in Group 2 had 88%. Average functional score was higher in Group 1 compared with patients in Group 2. An artificial ligament was shown to have non-significant impact on survival of the reconstruction in Group 1, while significantly improving survival of reconstruction in Group 2. Conclusion: Bone-allograft contact matters: resection under anterosuperior iliac spine allows better mechanical survival and offers better reconstruction functional scores.

Outcomes of Hip Reconstruction for Metastatic Acetabular Lesions: A Scoping Review of the Literature

(1) Background: Management of metastatic periacetabular lesions remains a challenging area of orthopaedics. This study aims to evaluate and summarize the currently available reconstructive modalities, including their indications and outcomes. (2) Methods: A scoping review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched for relevant articles. (3) Results: A total of 18 papers met inclusion criteria encompassing 875 patients. The most common primary malignancy was breast (n = 230, 26.3%). Reconstruction modalities used were total hip arthroplasty (n = 432, 49.1%), the Harrington procedure (n = 374, 42.5%), modular hemipelvic endoprotheses (n = 63, 7.2%) and a reverse ice-cream cone prosthesis (n = 11, 1.25%). (4) Conclusions: Advances in implant design including use of dual mobility or flanged cups, tantalum implants, and modular hemipelvic endoprostheses allow for larger acetabular defects to be addressed with improved patient outcomes. This armamentarium of reconstruction options allows for tailoring of the procedure performed depending on patient factors and extent of periacetabular disease.

Percutaneous Cementoplasty for the Pelvis in Bone Metastasis: 12-Year Experience

Background

In advanced cancer patients, pelvic bone metastasis often causes pain and gait disturbance. The use of percutaneous bone cement [polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)] injection for pain management and strengthening in pelvic bone metastasis has rarely been reported. To evaluate this method, we aimed to determine surgical outcomes and complications over a long-term follow-up period using a large patient group.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 178 patients who underwent percutaneous cementoplasty for pelvic metastatic lesions, 201 in total. Surgical outcomes evaluated included pain reduction and improvement of ambulation. Mortality within 1 month after procedure and pulmonary embolism caused by thrombus, fat, tumor emboli, or bone cement were investigated as surgical complications. For long-term survivors, pain relapse and mechanical failure were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months, and there were 159 fatalities at last follow-up.

Results

The mean regional pain numerical rating scale scores decreased from 6.1 preoperatively to 2.4 1 month after procedure (p < 0.01). Gait function was maintained, worsened, and uncheckable in 68%, 24%, and 8% of patients, respectively, 1 month after procedure. Of long-term survivors followed up for > 12 months (n = 53), there were no significant changes in serial plain radiographs, and regional pain aggravation was observed in 9%. Pulmonary cement embolism and bone cement implantation syndrome was observed in 11% and 10%, respectively. However, all patients with these complications were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Percutaneous cement injection into the pelvis is a feasible and safe palliative surgical option for patients with advanced malignancy in terms of pain reduction and maintenance of ambulatory function under regional anesthesia.

Acetabular reconstruction in oncological surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of implant survivorship and patient outcomes

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the hip for peri-acetabular oncological disease remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence and identify techniques utilized for primary and metastatic tumors of the acetabulum and hemipelvis.

METHODS

A systematic review of the published literature was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases identified relevant articles. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The study was registered on PROSPERO.

RESULTS

53 papers were included, 16 were suitable for meta-analysis. 909 patients had primary and 1140 metastatic disease. 1094 patients underwent reconstruction with conventional total hip arthroplasty (with or without cup-cage or cement augmentation) or modifications of the Harrington procedure, collectively termed 'non-complex'. 928 patients underwent 'complex' reconstructions with either a modular hemipelvic, saddle, reverse snow-cone, custom-made or 3D-printed endoprosthesis. The most common complication was deep infection (11%) followed by dislocation (5%). Mean MSTS scores were 61.9% for 'non-complex' versus 63.2% for 'complex' reconstruction. Meta-analysis suggested increased mortality for primary (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.15-8.54) and trends toward reduced mortality for metastatic disease (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.26-3.29) following 'complex' versus 'non-complex' reconstruction. Reoperation rates were higher following 'complex' reconstruction for metastatic disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI 0.66-5.46) and similar for primary disease (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.45-2.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Peri-acetabular tumors are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Decisions regarding implant selection are multi-factorial with recent increase in the use of custom-made and 3D-printing technologies. Multiple factors contribute to the oncological outcome and patient function. Further research is required in order to guide optimal practice.

Surgical Treatment and Proposed Modified Classification for Harrington Class III Periacetabular Metastases

Objectives

This study aims to: (i) evaluate the outcome of patients with Harrington class III lesions who were treated according to Harrington classification; (ii) propose a modified surgical classification for Harrington class III lesions; and (iii) assess the efficiency of the proposed modified classification.

Methods

This study composes two phases. During phase 1 (2006 to 2011), the clinical data of 16 patients with Harrington class III lesions who were treated by intralesional excision followed by reconstruction of antegrade/retrograde Steinmann pins/screws with cemented total hip arthroplasty (Harrington/modified Harrington procedure) were retrospectively reviewed and further analyzed synthetically to design a modified surgical classification system. In phase 2 (2013 to 2019), 62 patients with Harrington class III lesions were classified and surgically treated according to our modified classification. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 scoring system. The outcome of local control was described using 2‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Owing to the limited sample size, we considered P < 0.1 as significant.

Results

In phase 1, the mean surgical time was 273.1 (180 to 390) min and the mean intraoperative hemorrhage was 2425.0 (400.0 to 8000.0) mL, respectively. The mean follow‐up time was 18.5 (2 to 54) months. Recurrence was found in 4 patients and the 2‐year RFS rate was 62.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.6% to 93.2%). The mean postoperative MSTS93 score was 56.5% (20% to 90%). Based on the periacetabular bone destruction, we categorized the lesions into two subgroups: with the bone destruction distal to or around the inferior border of the sacroiliac joint (IIIa) and the bone destruction extended proximal to inferior border of the sacroiliac joint (IIIb). Six patients with IIIb lesions had significant prolonged surgical time (313.3 vs 249.0 min, P = 0.022), massive intraoperative hemorrhage (3533.3 vs 1760.0 mL, P = 0.093), poor functional outcome (46.7% vs 62.3%, P = 0.093), and unfavorable local control (31.3% vs 80.0%, P = 0.037) compared to the 10 patients with IIIa lesions. We then modified the surgical strategy for two subgroup of class III lesions: Harrington/modified Harrington procedure for IIIa lesions and en bloc resection followed by modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis replacement for IIIb lesions. Using the proposed modified surgical classification, 62 patients in the phase 2 study demonstrated improved surgical time (245.3 min, P = 0.086), intraoperative hemorrhage (1466.0 mL, P = 0.092), postoperative MSTS 93 scores (65.3%, P = 0.067), and 2‐year RFS rate (91.3%, P = 0.002) during a mean follow‐up time of 19.9 (1 to 60) months compared to those in the phase 1 study.

Conclusion

The Harrington surgical classification is insufficient for class III lesions. We proposed modification of the classification for Harrington class III lesions by adding two subgroups and corresponding surgical strategies according to the involvement of bone destruction. Our proposed modified classification showed significant improvement in functional outcome and local control, along with acceptable surgical complexity in surgical management for Harrington class III lesions.

Harrington rods for periacetabular pathological lesion: is it an option?

Advancement in cancer treatment has prolonged the survival of cancer patients; as a result, there are an increased number of patients with bone metastases and pathological fractures referred to orthopaedic surgeons for surgical intervention for a better quality of life. Metastasis around the hip joint can be painful and intervene with patients' daily activity, and reconstruction of the hip joint with periacetabular metastasis is complex and challenging especially longer cancer survivals might out-live their fixation. Several acetabular reconstruction techniques and implants have been described to overcome this problem; acetabular reconstruction and total hip arthroplasty still remains the standard surgical treatment, to relief pain and to improve function and quality of life. Harrington reconstruction of periacetabular metastatic disease combined with hip arthroplasty is one of the options that can address this clinical scenario safely; it is reproducible and cost-effective. In this review, we present case series of patients treated in our institution using Harrington rod technique for acetabular pathological lesions with good outcome.

Preliminary proposal: a classification system for reconstruction with autologous femoral head after periacetabular tumors resection

BACKGROUND

Although researchers have adopted various methods for the resection and reconstruction of periacetabular tumors, the total incidence rate of complications remains high. Aiming for preserving the acetabulum and reducing the risk of complications, we applied a surgery method using tumor-free autologous femoral head to reconstruct the defective acetabulum after resection of periacetabular tumors followed by performing a conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA). Moreover, we proposed a preliminary classification system for these surgery methods.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients treated with acetabulum reconstruction combined with autologous femoral head following peri-acetabulum resection between April 2010 and May 2018. All patients were diagnosed as periacetabular tumors including chondrosarcoma (n = 5) and chondroblastoma (n = 1). Clinical data such as age, diagnosis, complications, local recurrence or metastasis, and function (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 1993, MSTS93) were documented. The average time of follow-up was 62.5 months (range, 17 to 106 months).

RESULTS

A total of 5 patients survive with average MSTS93 score of 27.8 points (range, 26-30). One patient, suffering from multiple bone metastasis prior treatment, ended up dying. One who had received radiotherapy before surgery had poor incision healing. Further, a classification system was preliminary proposed in 2 patients involving the pubis (type A) and 4 patients involving ischium (type B).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, we preliminary proposed a classification system for reconstruction with autologous femoral head after periacetabular low malignant tumors resection. The clinical results suggested that surgery methods involving pubis (type A) and ischium (Type B) are safe and feasible. However, further researches should be conducted to verify our classification system.

Surgical treatment of peri-acetabular metastatic disease: Retrospective, multicentre study of 91 THA cases

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of peri-acetabular metastasis (PAM) is a turning point in the progression of cancer because the disabling pain prevents the patient from walking or makes it difficult. Recent progress in controlling cancers that spread to the bone and controlling local bone destruction justify this national study. Since the data in France is incomplete or based on small studies, we analysed a multicentre retrospective cohort of patients with PAM who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) to evaluate 1) the clinical and radiological outcomes and 2) the factors impacting patient survival.

HYPOTHESIS

The clinical outcomes, complication rate and survivorship are comparable to that of recent published studies.

METHODS

Ninety-one patients (27 men, 64 women) with a mean age of 62.7±10.5 years (extremes 38 and 88) with PAM secondary to breast cancer [42 patients (46%)] or lung cancer [20 patients (22%)] underwent THA. The metastasis was the first sign of cancer in 33 cases (36%). Concurrent visceral metastases were present in 30 patients (33%), multiple peripheral bone metastasis in 48 patients (53%) and synchronous spine metastasis in 39 patients (43%). The most common construct was a cemented stem with metal reinforcement cage and cemented dual mobility cup [71 times (78%), while 85/91 had a dual mobility cup (93%)].

RESULTS

Elimination or reduction of pain was reported in 81 patients (91%). Overall walking ability was deemed normal or acceptable in 74 patients (83%). Six patients died (7%) before the end of the 3rd month. There were seven general complications (8%) including five thromboembolic events. There were 22 complications related to the surgical procedure in 20 patients (22%) that required surgical revision, including 10 surgical site infections (11%) and 3 dislocations (3%) (one concerning a dual mobility cup and 2 after single mobility cup). The median survivorship all causes combined was 19.5 months; it was 23.7 months for patients with breast cancer and 8.9 months for those with lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

Despite different endpoints being used, the clinical outcomes in our study are like those in other published studies, as were the incidence of surgery-related complications and the survivorship. The recommended surgical technique is the implantation of an acetabular reinforcement cage, curettage with cement filling of osteolytic areas, dual mobility cup and cemented stem followed by radiation therapy. The role of THA versus interventional radiology procedures must still be determined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study without control group.

The long-term outcomes of modified Harrington procedure using antegrade pins for periacetabular metastasis and haematological diseases

AIMS

The aim of this study was to present the long-term surgical outcomes, complications, implant survival, and causes of implant failure in patients treated with the modified Harrington procedure using antegrade large diameter pins.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 50 consecutive patients who underwent the modified Harrington procedure for periacetabular metastasis or haematological malignancy between January 1996 and April 2018 were studied. The median follow-up time for all survivors was 3.2 years (interquartile range 0.9 to 7.6 years).

RESULTS

The five-year overall survival rate was 33% for all the patients. However, implant survival rates were 100% and 46% at five and ten years, respectively. Eight patients survived beyond five years. There was no immediate perioperative mortality or complications. A total of 15 late complications occurred in 11 patients (22%). Five patients (10%) required further surgery to treat complications. The most frequent complication was pin breakage without evidence of acetabular loosening (6%). Two patients (4%) underwent revision for aseptic loosening at 6.5 and 8.9 years after surgery. Ambulatory status and pain level were improved in 83% and 89%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The modified Harrington procedure for acetabular destruction has low complication rates, good functional outcome, and improved pain relief in selected patients Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1557-1562.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Periacetabular Metastatic Disease. An Original Technique of Reconstruction According to the Harrington Classification

BACKGROUND

Periacetabular metastatic disease requires complex acetabular reconstruction. The complication rate for these frail patients is high. Various cement-rebar reinforced techniques allowing cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been described. The optimal procedure has not yet been identified.

METHODS

A continuous series of 131 THAs performed in 126 patients with periacetabular metastatic disease was prospectively included in this study. After bone metastasis curettage and cementation, an original technique of acetabular reconstruction was performed using a dual mobility cup cemented into an acetabular reinforcement device (ie, Kerboull cross-plate or Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage) according to the Harrington classification. Functional outcome for independent ambulation in the community, pain relief, and occurrence of dislocation or mechanical failure of the acetabular reconstruction were assessed.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 33 ± 17 months, the improvement in the preoperative to postoperative functional outcome and pain relief was significant (P < .001). The dislocation rate was 2%. Two of the 3 cases of dislocation occurred in acetabular reconstructions associated with a proximal femoral arthroplasty. No mechanical failure or aseptic loosening of the acetabular reconstruction was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasized that our original technique combining bone metastasis curettage and cementation, acetabular reinforcement device and cemented dual mobility cup was effective to restore a painless functional independence and ensure a durable acetabular reconstruction able to face to adjuvant radiation therapy and mechanical solicitations for long survivors. In addition, dual mobility cup limited the risk of dislocation in patients undergoing THA for periacetabular metastatic disease.

Reconstruction of the hip after resection of periacetabular oncological lesions: a systematic review

Aims

Reconstruction of the acetabulum after resection of a periacetabular malignancy is technically challenging and many different techniques have been used with varying success. Our aim was to prepare a systematic review of the literature dealing with these techniques in order to clarify the management, the rate of complications and the outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted for English language articles published between January 1990 and February 2017 with combinations of key search terms to identify studies dealing with periacetabular resection with reconstruction in patients with a malignancy. Studies in English that reported radiographic or clinical outcomes were included. Data collected from each study included: the number and type of reconstructions, the pathological diagnosis of the lesions, the mean age and follow-up, gender distribution, implant survivorship, complications, functional outcome, and mortality. The results from individual studies were combined for the general analysis, and then grouped according to the type of reconstruction.

Results

A total of 57 studies met the inclusion criteria and included 1700 patients. Most lesions were metastatic (41%), followed by chondrosarcoma (29%), osteosarcoma (10%), Ewing’s sarcoma (7%), and multiple myeloma (2%). The techniques of reconstruction were divided into seven types for analysis: those involving a Harrington reconstruction, a saddle prosthesis, an allograft and allograft prosthesis composite, a pasteurised autograft, a porous tantalum implant, a custom-made prosthesis and a modular hemipelvic reconstruction. The rate of complications was 50%, with infection (14%) and instability (8%) being the most common. Mortality data were available for 1427 patients (84%); 50% had died of disease progression, 23% were alive with disease, and 27% had no evidence of disease at a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (0 to 34).

Conclusion

Both the rate of complications and mortality are high following resection of oncological periacetabular lesions and reconstruction. Many types of reconstruction have been used with unique challenges and complications for each technique. Newer prostheses, including custom-made prostheses and porous tantalum implants and augments, have shown promising early functional and radiographic outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):22–30.

Effectiveness of Constrained Liner Use During Harrington Hip Reconstruction in Oncology Patient

BACKGROUND

Patients with destructive acetabular lesions are at high risk for morbidity. Harrington described reinforcing acetabular diseased bone with methylmethacrylate, supplemented by metal fixation, to allow total hip reconstruction. However, all published studies using this technique report dislocations. We believe that initial use of constrained liners would help alleviate dislocation risk, without increasing component loosening or polyethylene wear.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients who underwent Harrington hip arthroplasties for metastatic cancer from August 2005 to March 2015 were identified. All patients had a constrained acetabular liner implanted during their index procedure. Electronic medical records and radiographs were reviewed. A literature review of studies with similar technique was used as a historical control.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients (69.2%) died 22.7 ± 22.7 months after surgery, at age 62.4 ± 17.2 years. At an average clinical follow-up of 9.9 ± 14.2 months (range 2-50 months), we found no incidents of dislocation. No patients had component failure requiring revision or evidence of loosening on x-ray. Thirteen papers, comprising 185 patients, demonstrated 39 patients (21.1%) with dislocations and 13 patients (7.0%) requiring revision surgery for aseptic loosening.

CONCLUSION

Modified Harrington technique has demonstrated relative durability when reconstructing metastatic acetabular disease, although dislocation occurs in approximately 20% of patients. This study demonstrates that initial use of a constrained liner can alleviate postoperative dislocations without increasing risk of perioperative complications. Even modest reduction in complications during the limited lifespan of oncologic patients can have dramatic positive effects on quality of life.

UNCEMENTED ARTHROPLASTY AFTER HIP METASTATIC DISEASE AND MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Objective:

To describe a case series using a combination of narrative, graphical exploratory analysis and Bayesian Network modeling.

Methods:

Case series with 34 patients undergoing uncemented and hybrid arthroplasty procedures secondary to hip pain or fracture secondary to metastatic disease or multiple myeloma.

Results:

The most common tumors included gastrointestinal, multiple myeloma and breast cancer. Most devices were total arthroplasty (n = 16, 84.2%) rather than partial and uncemented arthroplasty (n = 12, 63.2%) rather than hybrid. The average time between surgery and deambulation was 20 days, the average length of hospital stay was 13 days, and the average patient survival was 589 days. Only one infection was reported. Uncemented and hybrid arthroplasty devices did not differ regarding time to walk, as well as the length of hospital stay in this sample.

Conclusion:

Our model may be used as a prior for the addition of subsequent patient samples, personalizing, thus, its recommendations to other patient populations. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.