Orthopedic oncology: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. You deserve extraordinary services that enable you to live the best possible quality of life. And you’ll find it at here. Our team includes nationally recognized musculoskeletal oncology specialists (orthopedic oncologists). We offer:

  • Uncommon expertise: We have one of few programs in the region with orthopedic oncologists. Their experience from regularly treating sarcomas and other tumors leads to precise care. They use research-based methods to treat musculoskeletal tumors anywhere in the body and maintain exceptional outcomes. We also deliver age-appropriate care to children and young adults. Explore pediatric orthopedics.

  • Compassion: We recognize the questions that sarcomas and musculoskeletal tumors may raise about your future. Experts take time to provide answers in ways that are easier to understand. We review treatment options and help you make informed decisions so you can feel confident about next steps.

  • Connected and comprehensive care: Orthopedic oncologists collaborate with other specialists to deliver seamless, personalized therapies. We manage all the details, whether complex procedures requiring multiple surgeons, additional cancer treatments or rehabilitation. Find out more about cancer care.

  • Limb salvage surgery: We excel in techniques that remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue, so amputation is rarely necessary. This level of expertise is not widely available in the St. Louis area.

Musculoskeletal tumors

The best care comes from programs like ours that regularly diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors. Our expertise includes treating rare and complex tumors affecting children and adults, including:

    Related conditions

    Osteochondroma

    Rhabdomyosarcoma

    Osteosarcoma

    Ewing sarcoma

    Non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal tumors

    Non-surgical treatments may remove trace levels of cancer that remain after surgery. These therapies are also for people who aren’t eligible for surgery. Non-surgical treatment may shrink the cancer, providing symptom relief.

    Non-surgical musculoskeletal treatments include:

    Our cancer centers provide the latest, most effective chemotherapy and medical oncology treatments with a personalized, compassionate approach.
    Our radiation oncology team features board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists and cancer biologists who specialize in the latest radiation therapies.
    Musculoskeletal tumor surgery

    Musculoskeletal tumors often require surgery. Orthopedic oncologists use special techniques that optimize mobility and function. Patients avoid amputation in more than 90% of cases because of our extensive experience in limb salvage techniques.

    Specific surgical procedures used in reconstructing a limb after tumor removal include:

    Bone and joint reconstruction
    After removing a large section of bone or tissue, we may reconstruct the area. We use skin or bone grafts and an artificial joint if necessary.
    Large fragment allograft tissue reconstruction
    We use donor tissue, orthopedic hardware or special substances to fill open spaces in bones if reconstruction isn't possible using your tissue.
    Limb amputation
    We surgically remove limbs when it's necessary to save your life. Care may involve complex procedures that preserve part of the pelvis.
    Metallic endoprosthetic implant
    If we remove a large section of bone near a joint, we restore function using an artificial device. In children, we use expandable implants.
    Vascularized fibular graft reconstruction
    We take a section of the lower leg bone and use it along with microvascular techniques to reconstruct the upper leg near the hip.
    Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal tumor surgery at BJC

    Rehabilitation starts soon after treatment, once a patient is surgically and medically stable. Inpatient rehabilitation focuses on teaching patients how to move and function safely with reconstructed limbs and continues on an outpatient basis.

    For patients requiring amputation, post-surgery prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation is coordinated by our team.

    Locations

    Schedule your appointment

    Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

    Sign up for our newsletter and take charge of your whole health.

    Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive content from BJC's health care professionals, delivered right to your inbox.