Reaction to methylmethacrylate in bone metastases treated by surgical curetting and filling with acrylic cement. Histological study of a case.

A femur bone metastasis from breast carcinoma was treated by curetting and filling with acrylic cement and osteosynthesis. The histological study of the resected proximal third of the femur five months after surgery shows a thin layer of connective tissue between bone and cement. There are no neoplastic cells in this connective tissue nor in the spongious bone of the proximal femur. Instead the diaphyseal channel is fully invaded with neoplastic cells. Pathogenesis and validity of surgical treatment by the emptying and filling with acrylic cement of bone metastases are discussed.