Restoring mobility: roles of percutaneous consolidation for pelvic ring bone lesions-a multicenter study

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the early functional rehabilitation outcomes following percutaneous consolidation for pelvic ring tumor lesions.

Materials and methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, patients with pelvic bone tumor lesions, whether primitive or metastatic, underwent percutaneous consolidation (cementoplasty, screw fixation, or both). The primary outcome was postoperative weight-bearing ambulation. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization duration, procedural complications, and long-term consolidation. Inclusion criteria were patients treated for prophylactic consolidation or pathological fractures. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for the primary outcome and hospital stay, with p-values < 0.05 indicating significance.

Results: A total of 143 consecutive procedures were performed in 138 patients (mean age, 65 years ± 13; 68 men) who underwent percutaneous screw fixation, cementoplasty, or both. Postoperative weight-bearing ambulation was achieved in 142/143 cases (99%). In total, 117/143 (82%) of these were in the first 24 h. 81/143 (57%) were discharged within 24 h (median, one day; Q3, one day; Q4, 112 days). 133/138 (96.5%) patients achieved long-term consolidation. The most common pattern was isolated acetabular involvement (N = 40; 28%). Of the 19 adverse events, 10 were asymptomatic. Three patients had delayed infections and one required screw removal.

Conclusion: Percutaneous consolidation effectively achieved postoperative weight-bearing ambulation and represents a safe and durable treatment option for patients with pelvic bone lesions.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06155890.

Key points: Question How can radiology continue to help improve care for patients with metastatic pelvic ring lesions? Findings 99% of patients achieved postoperative weight-bearing, with 82% doing so within 24 h. Clinical relevance Percutaneous consolidation enabled rapid functional rehabilitation of oncology patients, allowing short hospital stays with low complication rates, and demonstrating the expanding role of radiologists in diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment planning, thereby enhancing patient care.