Modular megaprosthesis for distal femoral tumors.

We treated 48 patients with distal femoral tumors by resection and limb salvage with an uncemented megaprosthesis (Howmedica Modular Replacement System). Diagnoses included: 32 osteosarcomas, five chondrosarcomas, six giant cell tumors of the bone, three fibrosarcomas, and two Ewing's sarcomas. The mean follow-up was 5.6 years (2-10 years). The overall complication rate was 39%. Seven patients died of their disease, but none from complications related to the surgery. Five patients were revised to arthrodesis, and one required amputation because of complications. The mean postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) score was 21 (6-28) for the remaining 35 patients. The most frequent complications were infection (14.6%) and aseptic loosening (4.8%). Ten-year survival of the prosthesis was 65%.