Multi-objective optimization of pelvic sarcoma resection planes

Surgical resection of pelvic sarcomas requires the determination of one or more cutting planes by the surgeon. The biomechanical consequences of choosing the location and angle of the cutting plane are not well known and may require attention to patient-specific conditions. This study investigated the use of a multi-objective optimization technique to describe the trade-offs between bone preservation, bending stiffness of remaining periprosthetic bone, and shear versus normal load balance. Computational simulation of the surgical conditions revealed that bending stiffness improvements are possible with small reductions in bone preservation volume.