Nisbet Symposium – October 1985 Surgery of Musculoskeletal Tumours

SUMMARYThe surgery of tumours of bone and soft tissue has advanced greatly in the last 15–20 years. To a large extent, improved modalities of imaging have enabled the surgeon to more clearly define the surgical problem, and with the aid of adjuvant therapies, to indulge in safe surgery which will salvage limb and function. Tumours of both bone and soft tissue need to be imaged completely prior to biopsy, and careful consideration needs to be given to the appropriate therapy, the relationship of each modality of therapy to each other, and the plan of treatment should be formulated clearly prior to surgery being performed.The investigation and biopsy of these tumours should be performed by the surgeon who is to perform the definitive surgery, and the surgeon should be experienced in the modalities which will maximise the patient's chance of satisfactory rehabilitation. These modalities may include amputation, and various methods of reconstructive surgery. Appropriate teamwork is essential for the satisfactory outcome of treatment of patients with these difficult conditions.ABSTRACTThere have been great advances in the surgery of bone and soft tissue tumours in the last 15–20 years du