Treatment for bone metastasis is normally palliative. An assessment of the risk of pathological fracture must be made by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Lesions that do not represent a risk for fracture may be treated with radiation or by appropriate chemotherapy directed at the tumor. Lesions that are regarded as a risk for pathologic fracture should be surgically stabilized on an elective basis before a fracture occurs. The goals of surgery are to preserve stability and function of the musculoskeletal system as well as alleviate pain.
Emergency surgery is done for spinal metastasis in the hope of preserving neurological function.
3 Vinholes, et al.