Pathological fractures in primary bone sarcomas

Abstract

Pathological fractures in patients with primary bone sarcomas should not be considered an absolute indication for amputation. Initial fracture management should include cast immobilisation or external fixation avoiding tumour-cell dissemination. The extent of fracture displacement and the type of fracture stabilisation may affect the outcome of patients with primary bone sarcomas presenting with pathological fractures. Patients with high-grade primary bone sarcomas should be treated by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, and limb-salvage surgery. Pathological fractures in chemo-resistant primary bone sarcomas are a relative contraindication for limb salvage surgery.