[Challenges to endoprosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection around the knee : Management of intra- and postoperative complications]. / Herausforderungen in der Tumorendoprothetik des Kniegelenks : Management von intra- und postoperativen Komplikationen.

BACKGROUND: The good functional outcomes of endoprosthetic knee reconstructions combined with modern oncosurgical concepts have resulted in a decreased rate of primary amputations following tumor resection in the region of the knee, thereby improving the quality of life of affected patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reappraise complications which are more common than in conventional arthroplasties performed for arthritis or trauma due to the complexity of the surgical procedures, the size of the endoprosthetic reconstructions, and neo-/adjuvant therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Possible intra- and postoperative complications and treatment options are presented. RESULTS: Typical intraoperative complications include malalignment (axis, length, rotation) in implant positioning, unplanned soft tissue defects, impaired implant fixation due to poor bone stock, periprosthetic fractures, vessel/nerve injuries, and lesions/defects of the extensor mechanism. The relevant postoperative complication profile is characterized by local recurrences, periprosthetic infections, thromboembolic events, and mechanical failures (loosening, failure of the constraining mechanism). CONCLUSION: Depending on anatomic conditions and the systemic oncological status of the patient, these complications represent tremendous challenges to reconstructive management. Knowledge of the potential problems enables them to be avoided. This requires profound experience in oncosurgery and tumor endoprosthesis revisions.

Acetabular Fractures in an Advanced Age - Current Knowledge and Treatment Options.

The demographic change in industrial countries leads to an increasing population that sustains an acetabular fracture in an advanced age. Some authors predicted elderly individuals to be the most rapidly growing subgroup of patients currently sustaining acetabular fractures. Gold standard of treatment of acetabular fractures remains the open reduction and internal fixation. Relevant factors impeding surgical treatment include the significantly decreased bone stock and the incapability of the patients to partially weight bear following surgery. Therefore, special considerations should be performed when dealing with this patient group as surgical treatment is associated with several risks and often accompanied by poor outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current body of knowledge and to give a recommendation concerning a surgical treatment cascade.

Clinical experiences in the use of a gentamicin-coated titanium nail in tibia fractures.

Despite the improvement of surgical techniques surgical site infections (SSIs) still remain clinically challenging in high risk patients undergoing osteosynthesis for tibia fractures. The use of an antibiotic coated implant might reduce the adhesion of bacteria on the implant surface and could therefore reduce the rate of implant-related infection or osteomyelitis. A gentamicin-coated tibia nail was evaluated in a prospective study. Four centers enrolled 100 patients (99 treated) with fresh open or closed tibia fractures, or for non-union revision surgery and followed them for 18 months. Data collected included infection events, radiographs, SF-12, EQ-5D, Iowa Ankle score, and the WOMAC questionnaire. Sixty-eight of the 99 treated patients suffered from a fresh fracture, while in 31 patients, the intramedullary nail was implanted for revision purposes, including non-unions due to infection. Fifteen (22%) of the fresh fractures were GA Type III. The follow-up rate was 87% and 82% at 12 months and 18 months, respectively. Deep surgical site infections occurred in 3 fresh fractures and two in revision surgeries. We did not observe any local or systemic toxic effects related to gentamicin during this study. The use of the antibiotic coated nail is an option in patients with a high infection risk, like open factures or infected non unions, in the prevention of the onset of an implant-related infection or osteomyelitis.

Cardiac disease and advanced age increase the mortality risk following surgery for periprosthetic femoral fractures.

AIMS: Periprosthetic fracture is a significant complication of total hip and knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to describe the survival of patients sustaining periprosthetic femoral fractures and compare this with that of the general population, as well as to identify the factors that influence survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 151 patients (women: men 116:35, mean age 74.6 years, standard deviation 11.5) that sustained a periprosthetic fracture between January 2005 and October 2012 were retrospectively analysed. Epidemiological data, comorbidities, type of surgical management, type of implant, and mortality data were studied. RESULTS: The mean survival time was 77 months (95% confidence interval 71 to 84; numbers at risk: 73) and was lower than that of the general population. The risk analyses showed that previous cardiac disease, particularly ischaemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure, age over 75 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores above 3 were associated with a significantly higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic fractures carry a high risk of post-operative mortality. Our data demonstrate that advanced age (> 75 years) and previous cardiac disease are associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality. The ASA score is an appropriate instrument for risk stratification. Pre-operative cardiac status should be optimised before surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:921-6.

Treatment of Geriatric Proximal Humerus Fractures: Indications and Outcome.

Treatment algorithms of proximal humerus fractures are still controversially discussed. The enthusiasm towards operative treatment after the introduction of locking implants, has not been justified by the functional results in the elderly population. The majority of those fractures in the geriatric patients can be successfully treated conservatively. Thorough clinical and radiological examination for fracture analysis, dynamic stability control with the use of an image intensifier, and meticulous reduction, in addition with the appropriate orthesis for its retention and rehabilitation, are the keys for the successful treatment of the proximal humerus fracture in the elderly patient. The present review reports on the main treatment aspects of proximal humerus fractures in the geriatric population and proposes a treatment algorithm.

Treatment of Tibial Non-Unions - State of the Art and Future Implications.

healing disturbances occur in 5-10% of the cases. The anatomical region of the lower limb predisposes the tibia for bone healing disturbances. Reports about the incidence of non-unions of the tibial shaft are inhomogeneous. Different treatment strategies have been published which depend on the type of non-union as well as the history of the patient. These range from conservative approaches to complex procedures including segmental resection and bone transport. This review aimed to summarize the state of the art treatment of tibial non-unions and report about recent basic research results that may improve bone healing. Key words: tibial non-unions, treatment strategies, bone healing.

[Operative therapy of fractures of the distal femur. Predictive factors for a complicated course]. / Operative Therapie von distalen Femurfrakturen. Prognostische Faktoren für einen komplikationsbehafteten Verlauf.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal femur are rare injuries that are mainly treated operatively. Complication rates remain high. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse complications following the operative treatment of these fractures and to identify predictive factors that have the potential to identify patients who are at risk for a complicated course of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all fractures of the distal femur that were treated operatively at our institution between 2005 and 2015. Besides patient and fracture-specific data, surgical details and the types of complications that occurred were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Open soft tissue damage, the polytraumatised patient and the timing of surgery (i.e. emergency surgery) are significant risk factors for the development of a nonunion. A risk factor that predicts a postoperative infection is open soft tissue damage. Type C fractures, stabilisation as emergency surgery and an accompanying polytrauma are risk factors for a postoperative pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate is significantly determined by surgical factors. To reduce the rate of nonunion, infection and pneumonia, the optimisation of the patient's general condition before surgery and optimal surgical care is more important than an immediate emergency surgery.

[Osteosynthesis and cup revision in periprosthetic acetabulum fractures using a Kocher-Langenbeck approach]. / Osteosynthese und Pfannenwechsel bei periprothetischer Azetabulumfraktur über einen Kocher-Langenbeck-Zugang.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction/stable fixation of the acetabular columns to create an adequate periacetabular requirement for the implantation of a revision cup. INDICATIONS: Displaced/nondisplaced fractures with involvement of the posterior column. Resulting instability of the cup in an adequate bone stock situation. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Periprosthetic acetabulum fractures with inadequate bone stock. Extended periacetabular defects with loss of anchorage options. Isolated periprosthetic fractures of the anterior column. Septic loosening. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsal approach. Dislocation of hip. Mechanical testing of inlaying acetabular cup. With unstable cup situation explantation of the cup, fracture fixation of acetabulum with dorsal double plate osteosynthesis along the posterior column. Cup revision. Hip joint reposition. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Early mobilization; partial weight bearing for 12 weeks. Thrombosis prophylaxis. Clinical and radiological follow-ups. RESULTS: Periprosthetic acetabular fracture in 17 patients with 9 fractures after primary total hip replacement (THR), 8 after revision THR. Fractures: 12 due to trauma, 5 spontaneously; 7 anterior column fractures, 5 transverse fractures, 4 posterior column fractures, 1 two column fracture after hemiendoprosthesis. 5 type 1 fractures and 12 type 2 fractures. Operatively treated cases (10/17) received 3 reinforcement ring, 2 pedestal cup, 1 standard revision cup, cup-1 cage construct, 1 ventral plate osteosynthesis, 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis, and 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis plus cup revision (10-month Harris Hip Score 78 points). Radiological follow-up for 10 patients: consolidation of fractures without dislocation and a fixed acetabular cup. No revision surgeries during follow-up; 2 hip dislocations, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy.

Fixation of acetabular fractures via the ilioinguinal versus pararectus approach: a direct comparison.

This study compared the quality of reduction and complication rate when using a standard ilioinguinal approach and the new pararectus approach when treating acetabular fractures surgically. All acetabular fractures that underwent fixation using either approach between February 2005 and September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and the demographics of the patients, the surgical details and complications were recorded. A total of 100 patients (69 men, 31 women; mean age 57 years, 18 to 93) who were consecutively treated were included for analysis. The quality of reduction was assessed using standardised measurement of the gaps and steps in the articular surface on pre- and post-operative CT-scans. There were no significant differences in the demographics of the patients, the surgical details or the complications between the two approaches. A significantly better reduction of the gap, however, was achieved with the pararectus approach (axial: p = 0.025, coronal: p = 0.013, sagittal: p = 0.001). These data suggest that the pararectus approach is at least equal to, or in the case of reduction of the articular gap, superior to the ilioinguinal approach. This approach allows direct buttressing of the dome of the acetabulum and the quadrilateral plate, which is particularly favourable in geriatric fracture patterns.

Quality of life and functional outcome of periprosthetic fractures around the knee following knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to analyse both, the functional outcome and quality of life after surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures following TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective review of all periprosthetic fractures following knee arthroplasty which have been surgically treated at our institution between January 2005 and January 2012 was conducted. Beside epidemiologic data, type of surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. The functional outcome was assessed using range of motion, Knee Society Score and VAS to evaluate pain. Quality of life was evaluated using SF-36 and WOMAC. Furthermore patients mobility and comorbidities were analysed. RESULTS 25 (mean age 76 ± 8 years; m:w 5:20) patients were included. The overall complication rate was 24%. Mean KSS knee score was 73 ± 19 and a function score was 41 ± 36. Range of motion revealed 95° ± 24° (active) and 98° ± 16° (passive). The total SF-36 scored a mean of 41 ± 6 and 29 ± 19 in average considering the WOMAC index (pain: 19 ± 20; stiffness: 23 ± 27; daily: 47 ± 29). 20% were able to mobilise without help as opposed to 80% that were in need for assistance. Our analysis revealed no influence of the final outcome as a function of fracture type or type of treatment. Multiple regression analysis could not reveal significant influence of the comorbidities. CONCLUSION Periprosthetic fractures following knee arthroplasty are accompanied by a significant decrease of the knee function and quality of life as well as high complication rates. Since patient's quality of life apparently depends on the functional outcome, future efforts should aim to improve these parameters. Key words: periprosthetic fracture, total knee arthroplasty, quality of life, functional outcome, locking plate.

Skeletal metastatic disease of the femur: results by management with intramedullary nailing.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This study aimed to analyse the outcome following intramedullary nailing for metastases of the femur in a large cohort with special regard to mechanical, implant associated complications and patient survival. Furthermore, we aimed to identify factors influencing the overall survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients (n = 74) that underwent intramedullary nailing for metastatic disease of the femur between 2004 and 2008 and were retrospectively reviewed. Data were recorded from the patients' medical record and the outpatients' clinics files. Details about the tumour biology, the surgery performed as well as the postoperative care were documented. Survival data were extracted from patient records or obtained via communication with outpatient oncologists or the community registration office. RESULTS 74 (28 (37.8%) male, 46 (62.2%) female; p = 0.048) patients with a mean age of 64.4 ± 11.7 years were included. Breast (25, 33.8%), lung (18, 24.3%), bone marrow (7, 9.5%) and kidney (6, 8.1%) were the primary tumours in more than 75% of all patients. The mean overall survival was 17.5 (95% CI: 9.6 - 25.5) months. Patients with osseous metastases had a significant longer survival than patients with visceral and/or cerebral metastases (p = 0.025 and p = 0.032). CONCLUSION Intramedullary nailing represents a valuable fixation method for pathologic fractures or impending fractures of the femur in patients with an advanced stage of metastatic disease. It provides adequate stability to outlast the patient s remaining life-span. However, the balance must be found between therapeutic resignation and surgical overtreatment since operative treatment may be accompanied with serious complications. Key words: bone metastases, intramedullary nailing, metastatic disease, cement augmentation, osteolytic defect.

[Fractures of the tibial shaft]. / Tibiaschaftfrakturen.

The tibia shaft is the most often fractured long bone of human beings. Among others traffic accidents (37.5 %), falls (17.8 %), sport accidents (30.9 %) and assaults (4.5 %) are typical mechanisms. A brief clinical examination including the correct classification of the fracture pattern and even more important the degree of the soft tissue damage are the most crucial factors for the following therapeutic cascade. This follows a defined algorithm based on the degree of soft tissue damage. As biplanar X-ray diagnostics are obligatory, CT scans are subject to complex fracture patterns and accompanying intraarticular pathologies.The treatment of tibial shaft fractures is the preserve of operative stabilization, which should be done primarily depending on the degree of the soft tissue injury. Here intramedullary methods - especially intramedullary nailing - are the golden standard.The most serious complication of these fractures is the development of a compartment syndrome. This requires rapid diagnosis and an adequate surgical management in order to avoid extensive muscle necrosis with ischaemic contractures and irreversible neurovascular deficits. Apart from postoperative infections, which are the predominant complication especially in open injuries, non union provide typical and late complications which are partly difficult to treat. These should, depending on their type, follow a dedicated treatment algorithm.

[Benign cystic bone lesions]. / Benigne zystische Knochenläsionen.

BACKGROUND: Bone cysts are benign tumor-like lesions which often present as a fluid-containing cavity in the bone. They can occur in the skeletal bone as solitary or sometimes multiple bone lesions. OBJECTIVES: This review discusses the diagnostics, radiological appearance and therapeutic strategies of the most important benign cystic bone lesions, such as simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, intraosseous ganglia, epidermoid cysts and subchondral cysts. The differential diagnoses with respect to cystoid formations and tumors with cystic components are discussed. METHOD: A selective literature search was performed taking own experiences into consideration. RESULTS: These tumor-like lesions can have the radiological appearance of bone tumors but show no autonomic, stimulus-independent growth and can resolve spontaneously. In the majority of cases open biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases no surgical intervention is necessary (e.g. do not touch and leave me alone lesions), whereas in other cases the focus of treatment is on the prevention and therapy of pathological fractures as well as prevention of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Cystic bone formations are among the most commonly occurring non-traumatic bone lesions. To eliminate differential diagnostic unclarity, histological investigation of biopsy material is essential. In terms of surgical intervention there exists a trend towards multimodal therapy mostly based on a meticulous curretage.

Lower limb salvage: indication and decision making for replantation, revascularisation and amputation.

Defining reproducible criteria for lower extremity salvage following severe high-energy trauma continues to be one of the most challenging and controversially discussed fields in orthopaedic surgery. At present, however, the difficult performance, limited availability and number of valid reconstructive options for complex injury types, i. e. simultaneous osteoligamentous trauma with neurovascular lesions and severe soft tissue defects ("composite/compound multilayer defects") represent the decisive prognostic injury components triggering and determining the fate of the limb. Consequently, due to the complex injury pattern of the extremity and the overall situation of multiple injured patient the treatment and decision making has to be made in a priority-adapted algorithm. In this treatment algorithm interdisciplinary cooperation with vascular and plastic surgeons is of tremendous importance. Although the number of severely injured patients remains stable in the last decade, changes in the treatment algorithms result from increased survival rates of multiple injured patients and improved modern reconstructive options leading to continuously increasing rates of salvaged limbs. This paper aimed to systematically review the current literature for lower extremity injuries in order to unravel the different surgical treatment options and provide guidelines for decision making with corresponding treatment algorithms for limb salvage. Furthermore, the experiences in the management of mangled extremities in our centre are presented and illustrated/underscored with different cases.

[Management of complications following resection and defect reconstruction of tumors near the hip joint]. / Komplikationsmanagement nach Resektion und Defektrekonstruktion hüftgelenknaher Tumoren.

BACKGROUND: Tumorous destruction of the periacetabular region and the proximal femur are a consequence of either primary malignant bone tumor manifestation or metastatic disease, which is observed much more frequently and occurs typically in these skeletal segments. Pathological fractures of the proximal femur and periacetabular regions of the pelvis have a high incidence and ultimately lead to severe pain and immobilization. TREATMENT METHODS: Advanced resection techniques and different types of defect reconstruction, allowing for oncologically sufficient resection of extensive tumors have contributed to a marked increase in the limb salvage rate. However, these procedures are associated with an increasing rate of several, sometimes severe intraoperative and postoperative complications. COMPLICATIONS: Compared to elective total hip arthroplasty, the rate of postoperative deep infections, dislocations, the incidence of pathological and periprosthetic fractures and the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis are increased with high rates of postoperative mortality and local tumor recurrence, being the most serious complications. Pelvic involvement and subsequent periacetabular resection have the highest complication rate when compared to proximal femur resection with endoprosthetic treatment. CONCLUSION: In order to minimize the risk of these intraoperative and postoperative complications wide resection and advanced reconstruction as well as complicated palliative stabilization due to malignant bone tumor growth around the hip joint should be performed in musculoskeletal tumor centers with profound expertise in osteosynthetic and endoprosthetic reconstruction of the pelvis and the proximal femur. Only in specialized centers an effective, multidisciplinary emergency management of these complications and, more importantly, reliable prevention of complications can be ensured.

[Complications after osteosynthetic treatment of acetabular fractures]. / Komplikationen nach osteosynthetischer Versorgung von Azetabulumfrakturen.

The early work of Judet and Letournel in the 1970s and 1980s led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of acetabular fractures. The previously purely conservative treatment was replaced more and more by open surgical approaches. The complex, three-dimensional bony anatomy and the periacetabular soft tissue with a close topographic relationship to intrapelvic and extrapelvic neurovascular and visceral structures implicate an increased rate as well as a high risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Simultaneously, anatomical reconstruction with a gap step-off less than 1-2 mm is required. Fractures of the acetabulum are comparatively rare and only few trauma centers have the capability and the infrastructure to treat acetabular fractures. Therefore, the aim of this review was to illustrate the possible intraoperative and postoperative complications of osteosynthetic treatment of acetabular fractures as well as to identify possible strategies for treatment and prevention.

Analysis of parameters influencing the release of antibiotics mixed with bone grafting material using a reliable mixing procedure.

Local infections arising from fracture fixation, defect reconstruction or joint replacement can cause extreme pain and impaired healing, lead to revision operations, prolong hospital stay and increase costs. Treatment options including prophylaxis are afforded by the use of grafts and biomaterials loaded with antibiotics. These can produce local therapeutic concentrations with a reduced systemic concentration and reduced systemic side-effects. Patient-specific loading of osteogenic graft materials with antibiotic could be an important option for orthopaedic surgeons. A local therapeutic concentration must be available for the desired duration and cytotoxic effects must be kept within an acceptable range. The present study investigates a simple and reliable mixing procedure that could be used for the perioperative combination of antibiotic powders and solutions with bone grafting materials. The potential influence of concentration and sampling regime on the release kinetics of gentamicin, tobramycin and vancomycin was studied over a period of 56days and potency and cytotoxicity were evaluated. In all treatment groups, gentamicin and tobramycin were completely released within 3days whilst vancomycin was released over a period of 14days. The results clearly show that the main parameter influencing release is the molecular weight of the drug. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited in all 3 treatment groups for at least 3days. Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity of primary osteoblast-like cells were not significantly affected by the antibiotic concentrations obtained from the elution experiments. Bone grafting is an established component of surgery for bone defect filling and for biological stimulation of healing. Patient-specific enhancement of such procedures by incorporation of antibiotics for infection prevention or by addition of cytokines for promotion of impaired healing or for treatment of critical size defects will be a relevant issue in the future.

Surgical management and outcome of skeletal metastatic disease of the humerus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Evaluation of outcome after surgical treatment of humerus metastases with a focus on tumour and patient derived factors, timing and strategy of intervention, surgical outcome and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-fie patients with a mean age of 64.3 years (range 25-89) with 66 metastases of the humerus were surgically treated in a 7-year time-period and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer were the most abundant types of primary tumour. The mean time from diagnosis of primary tumour to fist metastasis was 14.5 months (range 0-173). The mean time from diagnosis of metastasis to surgery was 21.4 months (range 0-173). 38/28 intramedullary nails/locking plates were used for 58/8 manifest/impending pathological fractures. Mean cumulative survival was 16.3 months and implant failure rate was 6.1% with a mean time from initial surgery to revision of 22.2-20.6 months. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that treatment with intramedullary fiation or cement augmented plate osteosynthesis is successful for the vast majority of patients, but thorough clinical evaluation and precise decision making adapted to the patient's estimated life expectancy must be applied to avoid overtreatment or risk of implant failure. Key words: bone metastases, skeletal metastatic disease, humerus metastasis, pathologic fracture, impending fracture.

[Flap coverage of soft tissue defects after total knee arthroplasty]. / Lappenplastiken bei Weichteildefekten nach endoprothetischem Kniegelenkersatz.

Due to the marginal periarticular soft tissue envelope and the high risk of concomitant soft tissue or periprosthetic infection with the presence of exposed metal or bone, soft tissue defects after total knee arthroplasty are always a relevant surgical problem. Specific patient-related, intra- and postoperative risk factors have been identified and need to be considered during the course of treatment. Often a profound management of underlying infection must accompany the staged defect treatment which could require a prosthesis explantation with secondary revision in the case of a deep infection and involvement of the prosthesis. Four stages of soft tissue defects have been introduced (types A-D) and criteria for differentiation are the overall soft tissue coverage, the exposure, respectively, necrosis of the extensor mechanism, preservation or involvement of the joint capsule and/or an accompanying septic loosening of the prosthesis. The concept of plastic coverage follows a stage-adapted algorithm and includes secondary wound healing and mesh coverage for superficial defects, fasciocutaneous flaps for moderate defects and pedicled or free muscle flaps for deep defect situations with extension into the joint capsule. Crucial factors for a successful therapy include the early identification and precise analysis of defect characteristics, the careful preparation of the wound bed with serial debridements and the diligent flap coverage with early consultation of plastic-surgical expertise.

[Solitary spinal metastases. Is aggressive surgical management justified?]. / Solitäre Metastasen der Wirbelsäule. Indikationen für eine aggressive chirurgische Therapie?

Advances in oncological and surgical therapies have led to a significant increase in life expectancy of cancer patients and also prolonged survival of patients with isolated or multiple metastases. Among the skeletal manifestations the spine is the most often affected site. Using novel imaging techniques with higher resolution and use of metabolic signatures, the screening of cancer patients has improved considerably. Consequently, the diagnosis of metastases is becoming increasingly more sensitive. Therefore, but also due to more effective polychemotherapy protocols, singular or solitary metastases are more frequently observed either in the early stages or as a result of a controlled malignant tumor entity (stable disease). The questions whether a solitary metastasis really exists (illusion or reality?) and its radical oncological and surgical treatment as a circumscribed singular tumor manifestation, is really relevant for the overall prognosis, remains controversial. However, it seems evident that a biologically favorable underlying tumor biology, radical treatment of the primary tumor and a long metastasis-free interval are valid predictors of a good oncological outcome. In the presence of a solitary metastasis under these circumstances (typical example: solitary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma many years after radical tumor nephrectomy) a radical surgical procedure (en bloc spondylectomy) can significantly improve the long-term prognosis of this patient group in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. However, a thorough evaluation of the overall survival prognosis, a detailed and complete staging followed by a treatment consensus in the interdisciplinary tumor board has to precede any therapeutical decisions.