title: Advances in segmental endoprosthetic reconstruction for extremity tumors: a review of contemporary designs and techniques.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Improved understanding and advances in treatment regimens have led to increased longevity among patients diagnosed with extremity soft tissue sarcomas. Limb salvage techniques and implants have improved and continue to evolve to accommodate the increasing demands and survival of these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current report is a review of the literature for recent advancements in techniques, implant design, and outcomes in the field of limb salvage therapy using segmental megaprostheses for the treatment of extremity sarcomas. We report on our experience in this field utilizing a classification system of failure mechanisms to outline to discuss current controversies in management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five mechanisms of failure have been identified: soft-tissue failure, aseptic loosening, structural failure, infection, and tumor progression. Infection was the most common mode of failure in our series, accounting for 34% of cases. Soft-tissue failure occurred most commonly in the joints that depend heavily on periarticular muscles and ligaments for stability due to their high degree of functional range of motion. We observed a 28% soft-tissue failure rate about the shoulder and hip, aseptic loosening accounted for 19% of implant failures, and structural failure was seen in 17% of cases. Seventeen percent of cases failed due to tumor progression, an etiology that is defined by biological factors, surgical technique, and adjuvant therapies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical techniques and megaprosthesis designs are constantly changing in order to meet the challenge of increasing functional demands and longevity in this unique patient population. A classification system defined by treatment failure etiologies provides the framework for discussion of current controversies in limb salvage therapy as well as a guide for advancement and potential solutions in this challenging arena.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa 33620, USA. Bpalumbo79@gmail.com
authors.forename: Brian T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.forename: Eric R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Groundland
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cheong
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pala
authors.forename: G Douglas
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Letson
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ruggieri
mesh_terms: D001186:Artificial Limbs; D018450:Disease Progression; D005121:Extremities / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D017211:Treatment Failure