Osteosynthesis of pathologic fractures and prophylactic internal fixation of metastases in long bones.

Osteosynthesis was performed in 36 pathologic fractures, and in 21 metastases prophylactic internal fixation was carried out. The principles of the operative technique consist of a rigid osteosynthesis with removal of metastatic tissue and filling up of the bone defect with allograft or methylmethacrylate. The indications and benefits of prophylactic internal fixation are discussed.