Pathologic fractures of the distal femur: Current concepts and treatment options

J Surg Oncol. 2018 Nov;118(6):883-890. doi: 10.1002/jso.25218. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

Abstract

Pathologic fractures of the distal femur caused by bone metastases are not as common as those in the proximal femur but provide great difficulty to adequately treat. This systematic review shows that insufficient literature exists to draw clinically relevant conclusions for essential questions, such as "what factors indicate an endoprosthetic reconstruction for distal femur pathologic fractures?" Due to paucity of literature in the systematic review, a current concepts review (including treatment flowchart), based on instructional reviews and experience, was also performed.

Keywords: bone metastasis; femur; fractures; spontaneous; surgery.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Nails
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Femoral Fractures / pathology*
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Treatment Outcome