Pathological fractures due to metastases.

The authors review the literature and report on the treatment of metastatic pathological fractures, on the basis of their own experience of 51 operations. They review the radiological and pathological aspects of the lesions, and the methods of investigation. They stress the need for close collaboration between oncologists, radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, and emphasize the role of surgical treatment in the restoration of function and the relief of pain, by stable synthesis of the affected part.