BackgroundLarge malignant bone tumors and revision limb salvage procedures often result in massive bone loss, leaving a short residual bone segment that cannot accommodate a standard stem for endoprosthesis fixation. Three-dimensional-printed (3DP) short stem with porous structure seems to be an alternative for short-segment fixation. This retrospective study aims to evaluate surgical outcomes, radiographical results, limb functions, and complications of using 3DP porous short stems in massive endoprosthesis replacement.MethodsBetween July 2018 to February 2021, 12 patients with massive bone loss undergoing reconstruction with custom-made, short-stemmed massive endoprostheses were identified. Endoprosthesis replacement involved the proximal femur (n= 4), distal femur (n= 1), proximal humerus (n= 4), distal humerus (n= 1), and proximal radius (n= 2).ResultsThe mean percentage of resected bone was 72.4% of the whole length of the bone, ranging from 58.4 to 88.5%. The mean length of 3DP porous short stems was 6.3 cm. The median follow-up was 38 months (range, 22–58 months). The mean MSTS score was 89%, ranging from 77% to 93%. Radiographical assessment results showed bone in-growth to the porous structure in 11 patients, and the implants were well osseointegrated. Breakage of the 3DP porous short stem occurred in one patient intraoperatively. The patient developed aseptic loosening (Type 2) four-month after surgery and underwent revision with a plate applied to assist fixation. The implant survivorship was 91.7% at 2 years. No other complications were detected, such as soft-tissue failures, structural failures, infection, or tumor progression.Conclusions3DP custom-made short stem with porous structure is a viable method for fixation of the massive endoprosthesis in the short segment after tumor resection, with satisfactory limb function, great endoprosthetic stability, and low complication rates.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-023-03954-8