[Treatment of pathologic fractures].

Eight pathologic fractures of benign and 52 of malignant origin are reported. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation should be performed to give the patient the use of his affected limb as soon as this can be accomplished. Treatment consists of internal fixation in lesions of the shaft and prosthetic replacement in the case of lesions near joints. Only very rarely a primary amputation must be performed. Malignant fractures are most frequently caused by metastases from breast cancers. The treatment will at least make nursing easier, and three-quarters of these patients can be mobilized. The combination of surgical treatment and radiotherapy is discussed. In spite of this approach the average time of survival of 14 months is short because a pathological fracture due to a malignant tumor is a late symptom of the disease.