[Surgical measures in metastatic lesions of the extremities and pelvic bones]

Two factors--generally increased life expectancy with a higher risk of malignant disease and improved survival rates among cancer patients--have led to a steady increase in the incidence of metastatic bone disease over the past 20 years. There is little controversy about the need for ORIF in the case of pathological fractures, but special techniques are necessary to achieve immediate and lasting stability in the presence of frequently extensive bone destruction. Metastatic bone lesions that involve the risk of fracture should preferably be stabilized prophylactically before further treatment in the form of radiation or chemotherapy. Special techniques of composite osteosyntheses for the long bones and particularly for composite reconstructions of acetabular lesions are listed.