[Surgical treatment of benign and semimalignant tumors (author's transl)]

The differential diagnosis of of benign, semimalignant (or, more correctly, potentially malignant) tumors from malignant tumors or pathologic tumorlike changes is often difficult. Routine angiography and scintigraphy certainly help a great deal in differential diagnosis. The major causes of threatened or pathologic fractures are primary bone tumors and pathologic tumorlike changes. In this connection, a spontaneous fracture is a sign of a benign tumor. Excochleation or resection, with subsequent filling of the defect with homologous bone chips and fixation with a metal aid if necessary, has proved successful as a treatment for benign and potentially malignant tumors and for tumorlike changes. Joint replacement and amputation are necessary only in exceptional cases.