Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
You currently have no access to view or download this content. Please log in with your institutional or personal account if you should have access to through either of these
The Bone & Joint Journal Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from The Bone & Joint Journal

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

THE MANAGEMENT OF PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURE OF THE MAJOR LONG BONES FROM METASTATIC CANCER



Download PDF

Abstract

1. Problems of management of a pathological fracture of a major long bone through a metastatic cancer deposit are outlined. The relatively short life expectancy of these patients is stressed.

2. The results of treatment of thirty-six consecutive fractures of this type by internal fixation and radiotherapy, and of similar treatment used "prophylactically" on seven occasions, are reviewed.

3. Four-fifths of the patients with lower limb fractures became ambulant with crutches and were able to return home.

4. "Prophylactic" internal fixation and radiotherapy appear to be helpful in selected cases.

5. The theoretical dangers and difficulties of the technique are discussed. They are easily surmountable and have probably been over-emphasised in the past.

6. It is concluded that this is the best method at present available for dealing with this difficult problem.

For access options please click here