OBJECTIVETo discuss the resection pseudoarthrosis for pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular.

METHODSFrom May 1997 to June 2005, 25 patients with malignant tumors around acetabular were treated surgically with resection pseudoarthrosis. The series comprised 15 males and 10 females with an average age of 42 years old (range from 16 to 75 years old). There were 4 osteosarcomas, 12 chondrosarcomas, 1 Ewing's sarcoma, 1 neuroectodermal tumor, 1 myeloma, 1 malignant fibrohistiocytoma, 2 synovial sarcomas, and 3 metastases. Pseudoarthrosis was performed after resection of pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular. The affected side was protected postoperatively by skin traction with 2 - 3 kg weight for 6 to 8 weeks. After then, the patients walked gradually with a cane.

RESULTSAmong 25 patients, 6 had complications (24%). At a follow-up ranging from 3 to 10 years, 11 patients died of lung metastases, 2 relapsed, 12 remained alive free of disease. There was an average crispation of 5 cm (range from 2.5 to 7.5 cm). The patients were functionally evaluated according to Enneking's MSTS criteria in 1993. The average MSTS functional score was 17 points (12 to 19 points). After 3 months postoperative, the patients could sit normally, walk with a cane, and even walk limpingly without cane.

CONCLUSIONSResection pseudoarthrosis for pelvic malignant tumors around acetabular results in good clinical results at the time of mid-term and long-term follow-up. And pseudoarthrosis is advisable especially for patients with malignant highly tumors around acetabular, poor soft tissue reconstruction condition, high risk for infection, poor economy.