Some aspects of treatment of metastatic bone tumors

Background. Metastatic bone tumors are the most frequently met malignant musculoskeletal tumors. Asymptomatic and hidden onset of the primary stage of the illness may state very serious diagnostic and treatment problems for the orthopaedic surgeon, oncologist and radiotherapist.
The aim of this work is to evaluate clinical and radiological results of surgical treatment of metastatic bone tumors in long bones and pelvic ring considering localization and general condition of the patient.
Material and methods. There have been treated 57 patients with metastatic bone tumors in long bones and pelvic ring in our center in the years 1992-2003. Among them 38 women (average age 45.5) and 19 men (a.a. 42.7). 51 patients have been surgically treated with radical resection of the tumor and firm stabilization, 6 were treated with stabilization without radical resection of tumor tissue.
Results. Patients were evaluated clinically, radiologicaly and functionally with the use of Functional Evaluation System proposed by Enneking.
Conclusions. We conclude that early diagnosis and beginning of surgical treatment of metastatic bone tumors with radical resection and firm stabilization prolongs longevity, survival and life comfort of the patients.