Objective  To determine the prosthesis survival and limb function after revision of global modular replacement system (GMRS) tumor prosthesis.

Methods  We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 16 patients who developed aseptic loosening of lower extremity tumor prosthesis and subsequently received revision with GMRS from 2009 to 2012. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 5- and 8-year survival rates of the prosthesis. The MSTS function scale was used to evaluate the functional outcomes.

Results  The average follow-up time was 90 months (52-118 months). The 5- and 8-year survival rates of GMRS prosthesis were both 94%. After revision, two patients failed, including one case of infection and one case of repeated aseptic loosening. The average interval between the first joint replacement and revision surgery was 81 months (27-187 months). Until the last follow-up, 93.3%(14/15) of the patients did not develop repeated aseptic loosening, 85.7%(12/14) of the patients who underwent GMRS revision had a longer loosening-free survival than those with the primary joint replacement (90.6±19.3 vs. 43.4±29.7 months, P=0.001). The average MSTS functional score was 27.7(24-30).

Conclusion  The incidence of repeated aseptic loosening for GMRS prosthesis is low and the limb function is good. The reported technique is satisfactory in the middle and long term.