MASSIVE BONE ALLOGRAFTS IN THE TREATMENT OF PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES DUE TO BONE METASTASES

Background and Objectives: Pathologic fractures due to disseminated me tastases are common and often involve major long bones, where the meta stasis is responsible for wide bone erosion that is equivalent to majo r bone loss. Stabilization of these fractures necessitates tumor excis ion and reconstruction of the destructive metastatic process. Methods: Massive allografts were used either as intercalary or ''composite'' g rafts (allografts and regular prostheses) in 17 patients. Results: Fou rteen patients could ambulate independently after surgery, and nursing of the remaining three became feasible and less painful. Conclusion: In the event of pathologic fractures due to metastatic bone diseases a ssociated with major bone involvement, massive bone allografts offer a n inexpensive, adjustable, simple solution. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.