Computed tomography of musculoskeletal tumors

Modern chemotherapy has resulted in increased survival and even cure in many patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. As a results, whereas amputation was commonly practiced in the past, many centers now use limb preservation surgery in selected patients. This technique requires accurate preoperative assessment of tumor location, extent and relationships, and the role of different imaging techniques, including conventional radiography, CT, radionuclide scanning, sonography and angiography in evaluating these parameters is discussed. CT provides the most accurate technique currently available for assessing the local extent of musculoskeletal tumors and has thus had a significant effect on their management. An algorithmic approach to the evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors is proposed.