Management of Metastatic Bone Disease

The osseus skeleton is the 3rd commonest site of metastasis due to malignancy, behind lung and liver.1 Metastatic bone disease (MBD), also known as secondary bone cancer, is a common event which signals increased morbidity and early mortality2. Recently, the duration of survival for patients with MBD has increased3, 4 likely due to advancements in medical and surgical techniques. MBD is therefore an increasingly common issue that orthopaedic surgeons are required to manage and investigate, and improvements in care have led to improved survival of this patient population. The British Orthopaedic Association have issued guidelines on Management of MBD in 20155 A recent audit of these guidelines demonstrated that current practice in the UK does not comply with national guidelines set out by BOOS/BOA1. This article will outline presentation, investigation and current recommended treatment of MBD, as well as prognosis, and future possibilities in managing MBD. This article aims to improve awareness and details appropriate management for patients presenting with MBD for UK based clinicians and surgeons.