Malignant and metastatic bone disease

Abstract

Cancer involving bone is a common presentation to the orthopaedic team, and requires a structured team approach with careful preoperative and perioperative care. Metastatic or secondary cancer is the most common malignant disease involving bone, but haematological cancers involving the bone marrow can also present challenges to the surgical team. This article describes the investigation, decision and treatment options for metastatic bone disease. Primary bone cancer is rare and requires a specialist team approach to maximize survival and minimize complications. The management of primary bone cancer is summarized here.