Description
The surgical management of patients with metastases around the hip is a challenging problem and its main aim is to improve quality of life.
Complete and appropriate work up is an essential part of the process; a biopsy may well be required to confirm the diagnosis.
If a patient presents with a pathological fracture, it should be assumed that the fracture will not heal. Internal fixation of fractures has a high risk of failure and prosthetic replacement using cemented implants is therefore recommended. These prostheses give immediate pain relief and allow full weight bearing.
Surgery has inherent risks, but in appropriately selected patients quality of life can be greatly improved.
