What are the long-term problems of endoprosthesis ?
An endoprosthesis is an artificial bone replacement within the body, for example a metal rod replacing a bone, while leaving the surrounding tissues (muscle, skin, blood vessels, nerves etc) in place. Endoprostheses are often used in limb-sparing surgery for bone tumours. Some people have no problems with their endoprosthesis. However, there are potential long-term problems, these will vary from person to person. Like any other prosthesis the tumour endoprosthesis can have problems with wear. In the case of a knee amputation there is usually a hinge necessary to compensate for muscle and ligament resection. The axis is under stress and may have to be revised after wear. Therefore, after 5 to 10 years a rebrushing of polyethylene parts can be necessary. In case of metal-metal axis there can be some metallosis, but duration of the material is much longer and may last 20 years or more. Another problem can be late infections. This can require further surgery to revise the prosthesis, and i
