In addition, the first three vertebrae are fused to form wings which are connected with a joint to the blades of the ilia, forming the pelvic girdle. Bone cancer in the area of the sacrum can have serious consequences for the patient. The tumor may enlarge and press on surrounding bone and tissue. Often, bone cancer invades and destroys much of the sacrum and nearby structures. Some treatments for bone cancer in the area of the sacrum may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.
Surgery is often a treatment of last resort.
That's because the sacrum serves as an important connecting structure and stabilizer for the lower end of the lumbar spine and the two bones that make up the pelvic girdle. Without the sacrum, the lower portion of the spin floats freely, creating pain. Walking and even rolling over may be impossible with the loss of the supporting structure of the pelvic girdle. Traditional replacement of the sacrum with metal plates and screws has not always produced satisfactory results. Patients often spend weeks in a total body cast recovering from the surgery.