Reconstruction in metastatic destruction of the acetabulum. Support rings and arthroplasty in 12 patients.

In 12 patients with acetabular metastases, we reconstructed the hip with a support ring, cement, and Charnley prosthesis with a 22 mm head. There were no immediate postoperative deaths or cardiovascular complications. Dislocations occurred in 5 patients, 1 of whom required open reduction. At follow-up, 3 patients were alive 11, 15, and 18 months after surgery. 9 patients died after 8 (2-13) months. All patients obtained relief from pain, became ambulatory and were discharged to their homes. 1 patient had rapid disease progression with pathologic fracture and cranial dislocation of the support ring. Among the remaining 11 patients, the hip has not again caused pain or limited function. There were no signs of loosening, except in the patient with fracture of the hemipelvis. Remineralization was observed in 2 breast cancer patients after chemotherapy. Hip reconstruction can restore painless function until death in cancer patients with severe destruction of the acetabulum.