The Adjunctive Use of Methylmethacrylate in Fixation of Pathological Fractures

Abstract

Methylmethacrylate was used adjunctively in the internal fixation of thirty-five pathological fractures and in sixteen patients in whom fractures were imminent. Effective fixation and stability were achieved after all procedures. Without the use of methylmethacrylate, twenty procedures associated with extensive destruction would not have achieved satisfactory fixation. Because stability of the osseous structure can be restored by the methylmethacrylate, extensive bone destruction is not a contraindication in the selection of patients. Relief of pain and functional improvement were rated as follows: good in thirty-eight cases, fair in six, and poor in seven. There were no failures of the fixation and no significant complications from the methylmethacrylate.