Description
In this informative lecture, Dr. Kate Spacey provides a comprehensive overview of managing pathological femoral fractures in elderly patients with a history of cancer. She begins by summarizing insights from earlier discussions and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among medical teams, particularly when managing complex cases.
Dr. Spacey introduces a case study of a 60-year-old woman who presents with a pathological femoral fracture after experiencing six months of thigh pain and a history of breast cancer. She stresses the need for thorough investigations, such as X-rays and MRI scans, before proceeding with surgical interventions due to the patient's oncological history and the risk of metastatic disease.
The segment highlights crucial diagnostic steps including systemic staging through CT scans and the identification of potential metastases. Dr. Spacey discusses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient management, where oncologists and surgical teams work together to determine the best course of action for the patient's prognosis.
The lecture also covers considerations for surgical intervention, emphasizing that a diagnosis must be confirmed through biopsy before any procedures are considered. Dr. Spacey reflects on past experiences with different types of surgical outcomes, underscoring the significance of individualized care plans depending on prognosis and the nature of the lesions found.
In conclusion, Dr. Spacey stresses the importance of patient follow-up, especially in cases requiring surgical correction of pathological fractures, where healing dynamics can be complicated by the underlying cancer.