Orthopaedic Tumor Surgery

Orthopedic tumor surgery is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors. This surgical field includes comprehensive and sophisticated treatment methods such as the removal of cancerous tissues, bone repair and reconstruction. Orthopedic oncology aims to improve the quality of life of patients by preserving their mobility. Therefore, it offers different surgical techniques and modern treatment approaches for both bone tumors and soft tissue tumors.

In this field, where limb-preserving surgical techniques are at the forefront, biopsy and accurate diagnosis methods are of vital importance. At this stage, the most appropriate approach is determined by considering factors such as the type, size and location of the tumor. During the treatment process, surgical interventions can usually be used together with methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This multidisciplinary approach helps patients achieve better results during the treatment process.

Orthopedic tumor surgery, on the other hand, not only removes tumors, but also deals with complications that may occur after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For example, problems such as the weakening of the immune system may occur during chemotherapy treatment. For this reason, individualized treatment plans are created by taking into account the general health status of the patients. Doctors aim to achieve the best results by adjusting the treatment plans according to the specific needs and conditions of the patients.

Especially in malignant tumors, it is possible to increase the survival rate and improve the quality of life of the patient with the right surgical techniques and timing. For this reason, orthopedic tumor surgery is carried out with a multidisciplinary team work, and patients are provided with both physical and psychological support. During the treatment process, the patients’ conditions are closely monitored and updates are made to the treatment protocols when necessary. This holistic approach contributes to the patients’ better quality of life.

What is Orthopedic Tumor Surgery?

Orthopedic tumor surgery is a complex medical specialty that covers the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation process of bone and soft tissue tumors. These surgical interventions require a multifaceted approach that aims to protect and improve the patient’s quality of life.

The main purpose of tumor surgery is to completely remove the mass, preserve the patient’s functional capacity and prevent possible recurrences. Therefore, detailed imaging methods and diagnostic procedures such as biopsy are definitely performed before surgery.

Surgical strategies to be applied within the scope of orthopedic tumor surgery vary according to the type of tumor. In benign tumors, the aim is to remove the mass with wide surgical margins, while more aggressive approaches are adopted in malignant tumors. Modern orthopedic tumor surgery aims to provide both oncological and functional recovery of the patient with reconstruction and prosthesis applications.

The process before orthopedic tumor surgery is extremely critical. Radiological imaging methods (MRI, CT); provide detailed information about the size, location and relationship of the tumor with surrounding tissues. The pathological features of the tumor are determined with fine needle biopsy or open biopsy. In this way, the surgeon can plan the most appropriate treatment approach.

Complete removal of the tumor is essential during surgery. For this reason, the surgeon tries to remove the tumor within the boundaries of healthy tissue. In some cases, extensive resection may be required, while in others, organ-preserving approaches are preferred. Thanks to today’s technology, computer-aided navigation systems and robotic surgical methods allow for more precise interventions.

What Diseases Is Orthopedic Tumor Surgery Applied To?

Orthopedic tumor surgery is applied to various types of tumors that develop in the bone and soft tissue. Benign bone tumors are usually encountered incidentally during radiographs taken for other reasons. Benign bone tumors, which usually do not cause pain, should be considered when they are larger than 5 cm.

The second most common benign bone tumor is chondroma. Chondroma, the most common bone tumor in the hand, usually occurs in people in their 30s and 40s. It does not cause any complaints in patients. Only X-ray is sufficient for diagnosis and is usually diagnosed by coincidental or pathological fracture.

Osteochondroma/exocytosis is the most common skeletal tumor between the ages of 6 and 20 and usually occurs in long bones and as a single lesion. Rarely, multiple lesions may be seen in many regions due to genetic inheritance. The risk of malignant transformation is below 1% in single lesions. This rate is around 5% in multiple lesions. It does not cause complaints in the majority of patients. It is usually diagnosed coincidentally in childhood, but it grows with skeletal growth. Treatment is not required in patients without complaints. Surgical treatment is required in cases of abnormal growth development, pain, vascular-nerve compression, joint movement restriction and the risk of malignant transformation.

Osteoma is most commonly seen in the skull and facial bones, but it can rarely affect long and flat bones. Malignant transformation of osteoma, which is usually seen in adults, is rare. It occurs as a painless protrusion on the bone surface.

Osteoid osteoma is usually seen in the 20s and in long bones. X-ray, MRI, computerized tomography and bone scintigraphy methods can be used for the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma, which especially causes night pain. Although it does not turn into malignant tumors, it is removed with surgery because it is painful.

The incidence of osteoblastoma, which is most commonly seen in the 20s, is 3 times higher in men. The pain of osteoblastoma, which is most commonly seen in the spine, can be severe and at night, like osteoid osteoma. If it puts pressure on the spinal cord, it can cause findings similar to a herniated disc. It is possible for patients to develop scoliosis due to pain.

Fibrous dysplasia, which is usually seen in long bones, does not cause complaints in most patients. It is usually diagnosed incidentally with X-rays and biopsy is usually not required for diagnosis. It is followed up if it does not cause deformity or fracture risk.