Orthopaedic Specialities
Bone Tumor Surgery
Limb-sparing surgery for benign and malignant bone tumours.
Introduction
A new lump in a bone, an unexplained fracture, or unrelenting bone pain in a child or young adult deserves prompt, expert attention. Bone tumours are uncommon but treatable, and the modern era of orthopaedic oncology has transformed outcomes. Limb-sparing surgery, combined with effective chemotherapy and radiation when indicated, now allows most patients to keep their limb and live a full life — even from tumours that, a generation ago, would have meant amputation.
Causes
- Most primary bone tumours have no identified cause
- Genetic predisposition (Li-Fraumeni, retinoblastoma gene)
- Prior radiation therapy
- Paget's disease of bone
- Metastatic spread from breast, lung, prostate, kidney or thyroid cancer
Risk Factors
- Adolescent growth spurt (osteosarcoma typically affects 10–20-year-olds)
- Family history of bone or soft-tissue sarcoma
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Underlying bone disease
- Older age (metastatic bone disease, chondrosarcoma)
Symptoms
- Persistent bone pain, often worse at night
- Swelling or a visible lump
- Fracture with minimal trauma (pathological fracture)
- Unexplained weight loss or fevers
- Limp or restricted joint motion
When to Consult a Doctor
Any bone pain lasting more than a few weeks in a child, adolescent or young adult deserves an X-ray and orthopaedic opinion. In older adults, new bone pain in someone with a history of cancer should be evaluated promptly. Do not undergo biopsy outside a specialised sarcoma centre — incorrectly placed biopsy tracts can compromise later limb-sparing surgery.
Diagnosis
- X-ray of the affected bone
- MRI for local extent
- CT scan of the chest for staging
- Bone scan or PET-CT for systemic staging
- Image-guided core biopsy by an orthopaedic oncologist
- Genetic and molecular tumour testing
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review
Treatment Options
Biopsy and Staging
Image-guided needle or open biopsy in the operating theatre, planned along the line of definitive surgery.
Limb-Sparing Resection
Removal of the tumour with a cuff of healthy tissue, preserving the limb.
Endoprosthetic Reconstruction
Custom or modular mega prostheses replace the resected bone and joint, allowing rapid return to weight-bearing.
Biological Reconstruction
Bone allograft, vascularised fibula or recycled autograft for selected younger patients.
Rotationplasty
Specialised reconstruction for selected paediatric cases, offering excellent functional outcomes.
Curettage and Bone Grafting
For benign aggressive tumours such as giant cell tumour or aneurysmal bone cyst.
Palliative Stabilisation
Internal fixation or cementation for metastatic bone disease to relieve pain and prevent fracture.
Treatment Procedure
After diagnosis and staging, the multidisciplinary team designs an individualised plan. For osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, chemotherapy is usually given first to shrink the tumour. Surgery is then performed through carefully planned approaches that remove the tumour with safe margins and preserve major nerves and vessels wherever possible. Reconstruction is performed in the same operation, using a custom prosthesis or biological technique. Hospital stay is typically 7–14 days. Post-operative chemotherapy or radiation may continue for several months. Lifelong surveillance is built into the follow-up plan.
Benefits of Treatment
- Limb preservation in over 90% of cases in experienced centres
- Cure rates of 65–75% for localised osteosarcoma with modern multimodal treatment
- Pain relief and prevention of pathological fracture
- Functional restoration with early weight-bearing on mega prostheses
- Coordinated cancer care under one team
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients begin physiotherapy within days of surgery. Weight-bearing depends on the reconstruction — typically partial within two to three weeks and full by six to eight weeks for endoprosthetic reconstructions. Biological reconstructions require longer protection. Strength and confidence return progressively over six to twelve months. Surveillance with X-rays, MRI and CT continues for at least five years to detect any recurrence or implant issue early.
Possible Risks and Complications
What to be aware of
- Surgical site infection (higher than routine orthopaedic surgery)
- Wound healing problems, especially after chemotherapy or radiation
- Nerve or vessel injury
- Prosthesis loosening or wear over years
- Local recurrence
- Metastatic disease despite treatment
- Limb-length discrepancy in growing children (mitigated with expandable prostheses)
Prevention Tips
- Most primary bone tumours cannot be prevented
- Genetic counselling for at-risk families
- Prompt investigation of persistent bone pain
- Adherence to surveillance after previous bone or soft-tissue sarcoma
- Bisphosphonates and oncology follow-up for patients with metastatic bone disease
Why Choose Medaura
Medaura connects you with surgeons and physicians who have trained at India’s top medical institutions and continue to publish, teach and innovate in their fields. Every recommendation we make is grounded in current international guidelines and our doctors’ direct clinical experience. We coordinate appointments, second opinions, diagnostic workups, financial estimates and travel logistics for patients from across India and abroad — so you can focus on getting better, not on navigating a fragmented healthcare system.
Senior consultants
15+ years of sub-specialty experience.
Transparent pricing
Written estimates, no hidden charges.
Rapid recovery
Modern, audited recovery pathways.
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A coordinator responds within one business day with next steps, costs and timeline.
Related Treatments
Restoring length, alignment and function after trauma, infection or deformity.
Curative cancer surgery — minimally invasive, robotic and complex resections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to Your Healthcare Questions
Get quick, reliable information about treatments, appointments, services, and patient care.
Is amputation always necessary for bone cancer?
No. Modern limb-sparing surgery, combined with chemotherapy, preserves the limb in over 90% of suitable cases.
How long is the treatment course?
For osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, total treatment typically spans 9–12 months including chemotherapy and surgery.
Can a child grow normally after limb-sparing surgery?
Yes. Expandable prostheses or biological reconstructions accommodate continued growth.
Are mega prostheses durable?
Modern designs offer 10–20 year survival with appropriate activity modification.
Will my child be able to play sport?
Most patients return to non-impact activities such as swimming and cycling. High-impact sport is usually discouraged.
