A multidisciplinary approach is used to diagnose and treat adults and children with benign, malignant and metastatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This includes benign bone and soft tissue tumors such as osteochondroma and other cartilage tumors, bone cysts, giant cell tumors, and nerve sheath tumors. Malignant bone and soft tissue tumors such as osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and all soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities, spine and sacrum also are treated.

A specialty-trained orthopedic oncologist works closely with subspecialty-trained radiologists, pathologists, adult and pediatric oncologists, and radiation oncologists to create an individualized treatment plan that aggressively treats the cancer while ensuring the highest quality of life for the patient.

The goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor while preserving and maximizing extremity mobility and function. In more than 90 percent of cases, we are able to avoid amputation because of our extensive experience in limb salvage techniques. Specific surgical techniques used in reconstructing a limb after tumor removal include:

• Metallic endoprosthetic bone and joint reconstruction
• Large fragment allograft reconstruction
• Vascularized fibular graft reconstruction.

In addition, expandable endoprosthetic implants are available for the growing child or adolescent.

In the event that amputation is required to control a tumor, we have the skill and experience to perform these procedures safely and effectively, including technically demanding amputations around the limb girdles, such as hemipelvectomy and forequarter amputations.

For most of our oncology patients, rehabilitation starts soon after surgery and once they are surgically and medically stable. Inpatient rehabilitation focuses on teaching patients how to move and function safely with reconstructed limbs and continues on an outpatient basis. For patients requiring amputation, we coordinate their post-surgery prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation as well.