[Pathological fractures due to malignant bone tumors].

BACKGROUND

Malignant bone tumors should be treated within interdisciplinary treatment concepts. The prognosis of pathological fractures is on the whole relatively poor because the fracture is indicative of a large and highly aggressive tumor and the hematoma associated with the fracture could possibly result in spreading of the tumor into the surrounding soft tissues.

OBJECTIVES

This article summarizes the current interdisciplinary treatment concepts under special consideration of pathological fractures in primary bone tumors.

METHODS

A selective literature search was carried out taking own experience into consideration.

RESULTS

Due to the multimodal therapy approach for osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, the 5-year survival rate could be increased to 60-70 %.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic treatment should always be carried out within the framework of an interdisciplinary, oncological bone expert team, especially in cases of pathological fractures of malignant bone tumors.