Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
Fixing a bone that has broken because of cancer | CION Cancer Clinics
When cancer has spread to a bone and the bone breaks, surgery can often hold it together with a metal rod or plate, or replace the damaged joint. The aim is to ease pain and help the patient sit, stand and walk again, not to remove the cancer. Radiotherapy usually follows. This page explains the operations, who they may not suit and what to ask. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- Can a bone broken by cancer be fixed with surgery?
- How do surgeons fix a bone weakened by cancer?
- What happens from the break to walking again?
- Who is surgery likely to help, and who may it not suit?
- What do families believe about a bone broken by cancer?
- How does surgery compare with managing without it?
- Common questions about fixing a pathological fracture
The short answer
Can a bone broken by cancer be fixed with surgery?
Often, yes. When cancer has weakened a bone and it breaks, surgery can hold the bone together with a metal rod or plate, or replace the damaged joint, so that the pain eases and the patient can move again. The aim is comfort and getting back on your feet, not removing the cancer.
What a pathological fracture is
A pathological fracture is a break through bone that was already weakened by disease. In cancer, this usually means the cancer has spread to the bone, called bone metastasis. The bone can break with very little force, such as turning in bed or stepping off a stair.
Which cancers and which bones
It is most common with breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancers, and with myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. The thigh bone, the upper arm, the hip and the spine are the places surgeons see most often.
Why a broken bone like this heals poorly on its own
Bone that has cancer in it does not knit together the way healthy bone does. A plaster cast alone often leaves the patient in pain and in bed for a long time. That is why fixing the bone, followed by radiotherapy to the area, is so often discussed.
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One thing that cannot wait
If someone with cancer has new back or neck pain together with weakness or numbness in the legs, difficulty walking, or new trouble passing urine or controlling the bowels, go to an emergency department the same day. This can mean the spinal cord is being pressed on. Keep the person lying flat and tell the staff they have cancer.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistThe operations
How do surgeons fix a bone weakened by cancer?
The choice depends on which bone has broken, how much of it is affected, and what the patient needs to be able to do.
A rod inside the bone
A metal rod, called an intramedullary nail, is passed down the hollow centre of a long bone such as the thigh or upper arm. It supports the whole length of the bone, including weak areas not yet broken.
Plates and screws
A metal plate is fixed along the outside of the bone. Bone cement may be packed into the hole left by the cancer to give the screws something firm to hold.
A joint replacement
When the break is close to the hip or shoulder, replacing the joint often gives a sturdier result than trying to fix the broken bone.
Often used for
- The top of the thigh bone at the hip
- The top of the upper arm
Spine procedures
A collapsed vertebra may be supported by injecting cement through a needle, or by screws and rods if the spine is unstable or pressing on nerves.
Ask your centre which of these it performs and who would do the operation.The pathway
What happens from the break to walking again?
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Pain relief and a splint
Strong pain relief comes first, and the limb is supported. X-rays confirm the break, and blood tests check calcium, kidneys and blood count.
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Looking at the whole skeleton
A CT, MRI, bone scan or PET-CT shows whether other bones are weak. The surgeon may fix a nearby weak spot in the same operation.
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Confirming the cause
If cancer has not been diagnosed before, a biopsy, meaning a small sample of tissue, may be taken first or during surgery, because it changes how the bone should be fixed.
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The operation
Done under anaesthetic. Heavy bleeding is a risk with some tumours, such as kidney cancer, so blocking the blood supply beforehand may be suggested.
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Getting moving
Physiotherapists help the patient sit, stand and walk with support, often soon after surgery. Radiotherapy to the area usually follows once the wound has healed, to slow the cancer in that bone.
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Weighing it up
Who is surgery likely to help, and who may it not suit?
Surgery is more often offered when the break is in a bone needed for walking or using the arm, the patient was moving about before the break, and they are well enough for an anaesthetic. For these patients, fixing the bone can turn weeks of pain in bed into sitting, standing and going home.
When it may not suit
If the patient is very frail, has very little time expected, has cancer in many bones that would each need support, or has other serious illness, the team may advise against an operation. A small bone such as a rib, or a stable break, may be managed with pain relief, a brace and radiotherapy instead. That advice is a considered judgement, not neglect.
What the family can ask
Ask what the operation will allow the patient to do afterwards, how long recovery is likely to take, and what will happen if they choose not to have surgery. Ask how radiotherapy and other cancer treatment fit around the operation. The decision belongs to the patient and the treating team together.
Commonly believed
What do families believe about a bone broken by cancer?
"It is just a fracture. A cast will heal it."
Bone with cancer in it often does not knit together in a cast. Leaving it can mean long weeks of pain and lying in bed, which brings its own risks such as bedsores, clots and chest infections.
"At this stage, an operation is pointless."
Fixing a broken thigh or arm bone is often about comfort. Being able to sit up, use the toilet and move around can make a great difference to the time ahead, even when the cancer itself cannot be removed.
"The metal rod will get rid of the cancer in the bone."
The rod or plate only supports the bone. Radiotherapy to the area, and treatment for the cancer as a whole, deal with the disease.
"She fell, so the fall caused the break."
With bone weakened by cancer, the bone often breaks first and the fall follows. Tell the doctors about any bone pain before the fall, because it helps them understand what happened.
Side by side
How does surgery compare with managing without it?
With surgery
Without surgery
Pain often eases soon after the bone is held firm
Pain relief, a brace or sling, and time
Sitting and walking with support may start early
Longer rest, with more risk of bedsores and clots
Risks of the anaesthetic, bleeding and infection
Avoids an operation for a patient who is too unwell
Radiotherapy usually follows once the wound heals
Radiotherapy is often still used to ease pain
Questions we are asked
Common questions about fixing a pathological fracture
Will my father walk again after the operation?
Many people are able to stand and walk with a walker or stick after the bone is fixed, especially if they were walking before the break. It depends on the bone, his strength and any other weak bones. Ask the surgeon what is realistic, and what the physiotherapist will aim for.
Why is radiotherapy needed after surgery?
The metal supports the bone, but the cancer in that bone can keep growing and loosen the fixing. Radiotherapy to the area slows this and often reduces pain. It usually starts once the wound has healed, and the team will plan the timing.
Can other bones break too?
They can, if cancer has spread to them. That is why scans of the whole skeleton are done. If another bone looks at high risk of breaking, the team may discuss strengthening it before it breaks, or treating it with radiotherapy.
Do bone-strengthening medicines help?
Medicines such as zoledronic acid or denosumab can lower the chance of further bone problems in some cancers. They need dental checks and blood tests first. Your oncologist decides whether they suit the patient and how they are given.
Is surgery on a weak bone more risky than a normal fracture?
It can be. Patients are often less strong, some tumours bleed heavily, and clots are more common with cancer. The surgeon and anaesthetist will explain the main risks for this patient and how they plan to reduce them. Ask them to use plain words.
How long will the hospital stay be?
It varies with the operation and how quickly the patient gets moving. Some people go home within days; others need longer or move to a rehabilitation or palliative care setting. Ask what needs to be in place at home, such as a walker or commode, before discharge.
What if we decide against surgery?
That is a choice the patient and family can make. The team will still manage pain, support the limb with a splint or brace, and usually offer radiotherapy. Ask about nursing help and equipment for caring for someone in bed at home.
Is this covered by Aarogyasri or insurance?
Surgery for a fracture caused by cancer is often covered, sometimes along with the implant. Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS and most cashless insurers may apply, depending on the procedure and the policy. Call the helpline with your card or policy details and we will check.
Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Secondary bone cancer
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Cancer information and support
- American Cancer Society — Bone metastases
- NICE — Metastatic spinal cord compression in adults (NG234)
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Preventive Fixation Before a Bone BreaksStrengthening a weak bone before it breaksAnaesthetic Risk in a Very Unwell PatientHow the team judges whether an operation is safeRadiation therapy guideThe treatment that usually follows the operationPalliative and Symptom-Control SurgeryThe full guide to operations that relieve symptoms
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