Surgical treatment of bone metastasis: indications and outcomes

Due to advances in cancer treatment that prolong survival, there has been a noticeable increase in the prevalence of bone metastasis. Consequently, the likelihood of orthopedic surgeons encountering such tumors and the need for effective surgical treatment are also expanding. Although bone metastasis constitutes only one possible type of metastatic lesion, and while local control at a bone metastatic site alone may have little effect on total curability, the quality of life (QOL) of the patient cannot be ensured if local control is ignored. Therefore, it is important to achieve local control through multidisciplinary treatments aimed at both reduced surgery and at conservation of limb function. Surgical treatment may be indicated after a series of more conservative treatments. Among the main indications are pathologic fracture or a high risk of fracture of limb bones. Acute spinal cord injury caused by acute compression fracture from spinal metastasis is a relative indication. The occurrence of a solitary metastasis, for which extended survival may be anticipated, is also an indication for surgery to achieve local control. Appropriate local control is required to realize a predicted survival period. As well, the surgical method, resection margin, and supplementary treatments, and immediately effective reconstruction method should be selected accordingly.