Resection of malignant bone tumors.

Amputation is an unsatisfactory and depressing measure for the patient as well as for the surgeon. As long as operative removal of tumors in the extermities is indicated, the search for alternative solutions should be the most urgent task for every doctor involved in surgery. Resection would be the most equitable measure as far as demands for radicality and the best possible restoration of function are concerned. In order to warrant the radicality of the operation, meticulous preoperative planning and precise surgical techniques are essential. Sufficient restoration of function must take into consideration all the factors of the individual case, age and profession of the patient playing a large role. After partial resection of longer tubular bones, fitting of an endo-prosthesis has proved to be advantageous. Implants available at present have various drawbacks; studies directed at the elimination of these drawbacks must be set up.