Appropriate follow-up of orthopaedic oncology patients

In summary, there is no gold standard of the appropriate follow-up of orthopaedic patients. Patients with musculoskeletal neoplasms should be watched closely for local recurrence. Those patients whose tumors have metastatic potential should be followed up closely for metastatic disease. The timing of the suggested follow-up intervals varies, depending on the aggressiveness and growth rate of the tumor. There is no objective, data-based study to define the optimal follow-up intervals for the various entities. In general, the earlier recurrent or progressive disease can be detected, the better the chance of disease eradication. However, there is still some question as to whether the earlier detection of metastatic disease will change the eventual outcome in these patients.