Surgery for Orthopedic Cancer

Our orthopedic oncology surgeons work closely with medical and radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and pediatric oncologists. Together, we review your case and discuss recommendations with you and your family to create the best treatment plan.

Types of Surgery

Our goal is to remove the tumor using the least invasive method possible while preserving function. Surgeries for orthopedic cancer include:

• Traditional (open) surgery
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
• Robotic-assisted surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for bone cancer. We may remove a margin of surrounding bone and muscle to ensure all visible cancer is eliminated. When needed, we replace bone with grafts (from your body or a bone bank) or implants to maintain strength and mobility.

Chemotherapy and/or radiation may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to control remaining cancer cells.

Complex Reconstructions

We perform complex reconstructions of major joints, including the elbow, shoulder, hip and knee, to restore stability and function after tumor removal.

Using Tantalum for Metastatic Bone Cancer

Stony Brook is among a small number of centers using tantalum, a titanium-like material, for joint replacement in patients with metastatic bone cancer. Tantalum requires less healthy bone to anchor the implant. This allows reconstruction even when cancer has destroyed much of the joint (for example, the hip), helping relieve pain, reduce the need for high-dose pain medications, and improve mobility.

Limb-Sparing Surgery

Most primary bone cancers occur in the arms or legs. Limb-sparing surgery removes the cancer while preserving the limb. Your surgeon removes the affected bone segment and may replace it with a metal implant (prosthesis) or donor bone. In some cases, the removed bone is treated with radiotherapy and re-implanted. Our priority is to remove the cancer and protect limb function whenever possible.

Rotationplasty

Rotationplasty is a specialized option most often used for children with malignant bone tumors near the knee (such as osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma). The procedure preserves the leg’s main nerves and blood vessels. The lower tibia is attached to the femur, and the ankle functions as a new knee joint.

Rotationplasty is often considered for children under 12 who are still growing and for older children with large tumors that are difficult to remove completely. Because the limb continues to grow, the external prosthesis can be lengthened over time. Many children adapt well—retraining the brain to use the ankle as a knee—and can return to highly active lifestyles when recovery is complete.

Learn how Delaney Unger experienced new freedom after rotationplasty for osteosarcoma.