Prophylactic internal fixation of secondary neoplastic deposits in long bones.

The notes and radiographs of 19 patients who had pathological fractures of long bones due to secondary neoplastic deposits were reviewed. Involvement of over half of the cortex is recommended as an indication for prophylactic internal fixation to prevent the development of a pathological fracture. Eight patients were treated successfully in this way. A notable secondary effect of prophylactic internal fixation was the considerable reduction in pain at the site of the lesion.