Reconstruction after external hemipelvectomy using tibia-hindfoot rotationplasty with calcaneo-sacral fixation

George YX Kong¹ , Hannes A Rudiger¹ , Eugene TH Ek¹ , Wayne A Morrison² and Peter FM Choong¹

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

²Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

author email corresponding author email

International Seminars in Surgical Oncology 2008, 5:1doi:10.1186/1477-7800-5-1


Published:	21 January 2008

Abstract

Background

External hemipelvectomy is associated with high post operative morbidity and a poor functional outcome. We aim to explore a reconstruction technique to improve function and post operative appearance for patients who undergo external hemipelvectomy.

Case presentation

We present a Case where extensive cancer involvement of pelvis and femur was managed with a novel surgical technique, which involved a calf sparing modified anterior flap hemipelvectomy combined with rotationplasty of the spared calf and fixation of calcaneus to the sacrum, thereby recreating a new thigh stump.

Conclusion

Tibia-hindfoot rotationplasty result in good functional outcome and appearance for selected patients undergoing external hemipelvectomy with unaffected external iliac and femoral vessels.