[Arterial embolization as a therapeutic possibility of tumors of the skeletal system]

Arterial embolization is an approved method in treating bleeding tumors of the urogenital tract. In orthopedic patients it has been applied for hypervascularized skeletal metastases of the pelvic, spine and long bones. Intraoperative blood loss with its known risks can be markedly reduced. Reduction of pain has also been reported. The good results in our series of 9 patients together with the low incidence of side effects suggest that arterial embolization is indicated on a large scale.