Orthopaedic oncology is a specalised field focused on diagnosing and treating malignant musculoskeletal disorders, including primary bone cancers and soft tissue sarcomas. Orthopedic oncologists provide consultations for various bone and soft-tissue tumours, both benign and malignant, and develop limb-sparing surgical strategies for optimal outcomes. These specialists are trained to perform Tumour removal surgeries, bone reconstruction procedures, and help patients regain mobility and manage symptoms. Treatment plans often involve a combination of surgeries, targeted procedures, and therapies to restore limb function and alleviate pain, addressing the complexities of bone cancer and sarcoma management.
Benign Bone Tumour
Benign bone Tumours do not spread but may damage bone, requiring surgery for removal and bone health restoration. Types include Unicameral Bone Cyst, Aneurysmal Bone Cyst, Osteoblastoma, Enchondroma, Giant Cell Tumour, Osteoid Osteoma, Fibrous Dysplasia, Chondromyxoid Fibroma, and Osteochondroma.
Malignant Bone Tumour
Early treatment of cancerous bone Tumour is crucial, often involving a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery aims to completely remove the diseased bone, preserving appearance and function to avoid amputation.
Types of malignant bone tumour include:
- Osteosarcoma
- Metastatic Carcinoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing’s Sarcoma
- Multiple Myeloma
Lesions Of Joints
Joint lesions, commonly found in various joint capsules, can lead to pain and impairment. Surgical intervention is aimed at removing these lesions to restore joint health and function. Types include:
- Tenosynovial Giant Cell Lesion
- Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis
- Synovial Chondromatosis
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas, arising in fat or muscle rather than bone, can be malignant or benign, with rare occurrence in the pelvic area or limbs. Treatment involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Types include:
- Liposarcoma
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Synovial cell sarcoma
Bone Cancer Treatment
Bone tumours, whether benign or cancerous, involve abnormal cell growth in the bone. The cause is often unknown, though factors like trauma, radiation, or inherited mutations may contribute. In many cases, the exact cause remains unidentified.
Types Of Bone Tumour
- Giant Cell Tumour: An aggressive tumour composed of non-cancerous cells, often located near bone ends close to joints like the knee or in flat bones such as the sternum or pelvis. Typically enveloped by new bone growth.
- Chondroblastoma: A rare benign tumour found in the ends of long bones before growth plate closure, often associated with areas of bone formation. It can occur in conjunction with aneurysmal bone cysts.
- Enchondroma: Originates from cartilage and affects adults, predominantly involving cartilage within bones.
- Osteochondroma: Characterised by excessive bone and cartilage growth near bone ends close to growth plates, commonly affecting long bones such as the scapula, legs, or pelvis.
- Bone Grafts:Bone grafting is a surgical technique used to repair and rebuild diseased or damaged bones in joints like knees, spine, and hips, as well as other areas. It involves transplanting bone tissue to stimulate the growth of new bone. Bone grafts can be sourced from the patient's own body (autograft) or from another person (allograft).
- Robotic Surgery: Robotic surgery is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive cancer treatment offering superior precision over traditional methods. Utilising robotic arms and specialised instruments, it ensures highly accurate results and minimal blood loss. With small incisions reducing tissue trauma, patients benefit from increased safety, less pain, and fewer complications. Moreover, recovery is quicker, often requiring shorter hospital .