Current surgical management of bone metastases in the extremities and pelvis

Abstract

Surgical management of metastases to the extremities and pelvis has benefited from advances in the technology of internal fixation, as well as the increased availability of options for large endoprostheses. Contoured periarticular plates and the screws that attach rigidly to the plates have made fixation into weakened bone more reliable and easier to provide. For massive bone loss, modular endoprostheses are now widely available. These options supplemented with bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate) give patients the ability to have most bone defects reinforced or replaced such that the patient can begin using the affected limb almost immediately.