[Therapy of bone metastases of the lower extremity with the KMFTR modular tumor endoprosthesis system].

During the years 1975 through 1989, 189 patients have been operated because of metastases within bones of the lower extremity. Thereof, 34 patients received an endoprosthesis of the KMFTR (Kotz Modular Femur-Tibia reconstruction system) type. In detail, the following reconstruction elements had been used: proximal femur (n = 20), distal femur (n = 7), complete femur (n = 2), proximal tibia (n = 5). At the time of follow-up examination 30 patients had died. Mean survival time after resection of metastases was 18.6 months (range 8-44 months). According to histologic judgement, in 23 cases wide or marginal resections had been performed whereas 11 patients had been operated intralesionally. In no case local recurrence as relevant to therapy was observed. At the same time-point, survival periods after detection of secondary manifestations of the malignant diseases within the remaining 4 patients were 29, 61, 73 and 125 months, respectively. The following complications were observed: luxation of the prosthesis (n = 6), transient paresis of the peroneus (n = 3), deep vein thrombosis (n = 2), pulmonary infarction (n = 1), wound healing disturbances (n = 2) and hematoma (n = 3).