[Reconstruction prosthesis after upper epiphyseal and diaphyseal resection of the femur for tumor. Results of 16 cases and a biomechanical study].

The authors have treated 16 cases of tumours of the upper end of the femur by resection over at least 12 centimetres and insertion of a massive prosthesis. The tumour was secondary in 9 cases and primary in 7. This treatment was used for metastases where conservative surgery was impossible or had failed. In primary tumours, when the excision was very extensive, the main problem was of stability of the prosthesis and its long-term future. A new type of total massive prosthesis, designed by the authors after biomechanical studies, is described.