[Osteosynthesis in the metastatic skeletal involvement of breast cancer. Subjective and objective advantages]

In a retrospective study 15 patients with pathological fractures in metastatic breast cancer were investigated. Wound healing was uneventful in 13 patients. All patients were able to walk again postoperatively and 11 were free from pain. All lasted through the operation in good shape. In no case was there a need for a secondary amputation. Two patients suffered from a fracture of the implant. The average survival time was 24 months from the time of operation, the maximum was 52, the minimum 7 months. The results show that surgery in pathological fractures of metastatic carcinoma of the breast is beneficial to the patients both subjectively and objectively. Despite the usually limited life-expectancy they are able to return to their usual surroundings free from pain and able to walk.