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J Knee Surg 2022; 35(06): 607-618
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1745740
Special Focus Section

Management of Pathologic Fractures around the Knee: Part 1—Distal Femur

John R. Martin
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Richard L. Auran 
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Michael D. Duran
2   The Center for Orthopedic Research and Eduction (CORE) Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
,
Amalia M. de Comas
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
2   The Center for Orthopedic Research and Eduction (CORE) Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
,
David J. Jacofsky
2   The Center for Orthopedic Research and Eduction (CORE) Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Pathologic fractures secondary to metastatic disease are an increasingly prevalent problem. Such patients require multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize clinical outcomes. An established algorithm for clinical, laboratory, and radiographic work-up will ensure that each patient achieves the best outcome while avoiding catastrophic complications. Metastatic disease to the region of the knee is less commonly encountered than in other regions of the body, but it presents unique difficulties that merit discussion. Part one of this two-part article series will discuss the appropriate work-up of patients with suspected or impending pathologic fracture of the distal femur, highlight biopsy principles, address perioperative nonsurgical treatments that will optimize patient outcomes, and discuss available surgical treatment modalities.

Keywords

metastatic disease - femur - knee - orthopaedic oncology


Publication History

Received: 02 December 2021

Accepted: 16 February 2022

Article published online:
08 April 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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