Three-dimensional-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis for the revision of the aseptic loosening and fracture of modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: The aims of this pilot study were (1) to assess the efficacy of 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis in restoring the natural location of acetabulum for normal bodyweight transmission; (2) to evaluate the short-term function of the revision with this endoprosthesis and (3) to identify short-term complications associated with the use of this endoprosthesis. METHODS: Between February 2017 and December 2017, seven patients received revision with 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprosthesis. The body weight moment arm (BWMA) and cup height discrepancy (CHD) after primary and revisional surgery were analyzed to assess acetabulum location with plain radiography. After a median follow-up duration of 29 months (range 24–34), the function was evaluated with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS-93) score and Harris hip score (HHS). Complications were recorded by chart review. RESULTS: The acetabulum locations were deemed reasonable, as evaluated by median BWMA (primary vs. revision, 10 cm vs. 10 cm) and median CHD (primary vs. revision, 10 mm vs. 8 mm). The median MSTS-93 score and HHS score were 21 (range 18–23) and 78 (range 75–82) after the revision. No short or mid-term complication was observed in the follow-up of this series. CONCLUSIONS: Revision with 3D-printed custom-made hemipelvic endoprostheses benefited in reconstructing stable pelvic ring and natural bodyweight transmission for patients encountering the aseptic loosening and fracture of modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis. The revision surgery and appropriate rehabilitation program improved patients’ function to a median MSTS score of 22 and pain-free ambulation. The incidence of the complications was low via this individualized workflow.