[Palliative surgery for bone metastases]

Advances in the treatment of patients who have bone metastases are an issue of high importance to the orthopaedic surgeon. Early diagnosis requires knowledge of the pathogenesis of bone metastases. A primary route of metastatic cells is via Batson's vertebral vein plexus. An understanding of the pathophysiology enables the surgeon to plan effective treatment. As many patients continue to survive for prolonged periods following the detection of bone metastases, it is important to plan treatment that relieves pain and is functional. In long bones non-operative treatment with radiotherapy, patient education to avoid excessive torsional loads and systemic chemotherapy or hormonal therapy as well as diphosphonates are utilized for small lesions with less than 25 percent of the cortical diameter. The indications for surgical treatment include lesions with elevated fracture risk according to Mirels score. Special emphasis is led on the surgical treatment of spinal metastasis. Early and effective treatment improves the remaining quality of life in patients with metastatic bone disease. However a firm knowledge of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology helps the clinician in making an early diagnosis. Nevertheless the orthopaedic surgeon must recognize the need to approach management of these patients from a multidisciplinary perspective in cooperation with the oncologist, radiotherapist, rehabilitation medicine specialist, radiologist, and pathologist. The cooperation among all members of the team will assure the best possible care for the patient who has metastatic bone disease.