The swing procedure for pelvic ring reconstruction following tumour excision

Aim: High grade periacetabular osteosarcomas extending to the sacro-iliac region present a difficult management problem. We describe our experience of the swing procedure as a method of limb salvage. Method:The procedure was performed on three patients with stage II B osteosarcoma. Results: Functional outcome was poor in all three with a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 29% (27–30) at last review. All three developed local recurrence and one developed pulmonary metastases. The mean disease free interval post-operatively was 4.7 months (4–6) and they died of their disease at a mean of 10 months (5–16). Conclusions: This form of limb salvage is technically demanding and carries a high morbidity. Functional outcome is poor and the prognosis for this group of patients is not improved by surgery. Alternative treatment options are discussed.