Management and retrospective analysis of pelvic ramus tumors and tumor-like lesions: Evaluation with 31 cases

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the characterization, treatment approaches, and follow-up results of tumors and tumor-like lesions located in the pelvic ramus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (9 males, 22 females; mean age 48.9 years; range, 7 to 79 years) with benign and malignant tumors or tumor-like lesions in the pelvic ramus region treated and followed-up in our clinic between January 2005 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Surgical procedures were performed with anterior approach or inner-thigh approach. Twelve patients were diagnosed with malignant tumors, 12 patients with benign tumors, and seven patients with tumor-like lesions. RESULTS: Seventeen patients who underwent surgical treatment were followed-up for a mean period of 61.7 months. The diameters of benign and malignant tumors were similar (p=0.425). Of all lesions, 64.5% were located in the pubis. Ischium location was significantly higher in patients with malignant lesions than tumor-like lesions. The most common complication was diffuse subcutaneous edema in the inguinal region and thigh (8.3%). CONCLUSION: There are many different tumoral lesions in the pelvic ramus. Pelvic ramus tumors tend to settle more frequently in pubic ramus, whereas ramus ischium tumors are more likely to be malignant. In addition, the diagnosis of insufficiency fracture should be considered primarily in pathologic fractures of pubic ramus in females over 50 years of age. In the postoperative follow-up of pelvic ramus tumors, diffuse edema may occur even if there is no intraoperative vascular damage.