Masterthesis completed

In the treatment of malignant bone tumors, it may be necessary to remove large areas of the femur. To replace these large parts of missing bone, a prosthesis can be used. One innovative technology developed by Biomet is the Compress® Compliant Pre-Stress System (CPS; Zimmer-Biomet, Warsaw, USA). This fixation device uses compression, via a short traction bar, to stimulate osteointegration at the bone-prosthetic interface, promote hypertrophy of the loaded bone, and avoid stress bypass of the host bone around a stiff intramedullary stem. Young patients cured of tumors have a long life expectancy and a compelling need for prosthetic fixation that is equally durable. Good bone fixation is a prerequisite for implant longevity.

Although the initial results are encouraging, there is a need for additional mid- to long-term survival data from larger patient series showing longevity of the system, as well as reporting of functional outcome. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no study examining the survival of the device using prospective data already exists. In addition, no studies were found examining the quality of life of the patients with the CPS system.

In the treatment of malignant bone tumors, it may be necessary to remove large areas of the femur. To replace these large parts of missing bone, a prosthesis can be used. One innovative technology developed by Biomet is the Compress® Compliant Pre-Stress System (CPS; Zimmer-Biomet, Warsaw, USA). This fixation device uses compression, via a short traction bar, to stimulate osteointegration at the bone-prosthetic interface, promote hypertrophy of the loaded bone, and avoid stress bypass of the host bone around a stiff intramedullary stem. Young patients cured of tumors have a long life expectancy and a compelling need for prosthetic fixation that is equally durable. Good bone fixation is a prerequisite for implant longevity. Since 1999, the CPS has been routinely placed on the orthopedics - UZ Leuven service and, as a result, more than 100 patients have been treated in this way. However, there are only few studies reporting on long-term performance of this system. In addition, limited data reporting functional outcome were found.

Although the initial results are encouraging, there is a need for additional mid- to long-term survival data from larger patient series showing longevity of the system, as well as reporting of functional outcome. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no study examining the survival of the device using prospective data already exists. In addition, no studies were found examining the quality of life of the patients with the CPS system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients are/will be operated from 26/08/1999 onwards in UZ Leuven
• Implantation of the Compress Compliant Pre-Stress Device
• Informed consent obtained
• Patients are able to complete the questionnaires
• Age: minimum 7 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• N/A