Computer-assisted surgery in orthopedic oncology: Technique, indications, and a descriptive study of 130 cases

Background and purpose - In orthopedic oncology, computerassisted surgery (CAS) can be considered an alternative to fluoroscopy and direct measurement for orientation, planning, and margin control. However, only small case series reporting specific applications have been published. We therefore describe possible applications of CAS and report preliminary results in 130 procedures.

Patients and methods - We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all oncological CAS procedures in a single institution from November 2006 to March 2013. Mean follow-up time was 32 months. We categorized and analyzed 130 procedures for clinical parameters. The categories were image-based intralesional treatment, image-based resection, image-based resection and reconstruction, and imageless resection and reconstruction.

Results - Application to intralesional treatment showed 1 inadequate curettage and 1 (other) recurrence in 63 cases. Imagebased resections in 42 cases showed 40 R0 margins; 16 in 17 pelvic resections. Image-based reconstruction facilitated graft creation with a mean reconstruction accuracy of 0.9 mm in one case. Imageless CAS was helpful in resection planning and length-and joint line reconstruction for tumor prostheses.

Interpretation - CAS is a promising new development. Preliminary results show a high number of R0 resections and low short-term recurrence rates for curettage.