This book presents our experience in the operative treatment of bone and soft-tissue tumors arising in and around the pelvis, from 1970 to 1999 in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Niigata University Medical Hospital. Histological diagnoses included both benign and malignant tumors. Surgical plan ning was difficult to perform in our early experience in operative treatment, when only angiography and barium enemas were in use. In the meantime, computed tomog raphy scanning and magnetic resonance imaging became available. Subsequent improvement in the quality of these images made three-dimensional surgical plan ning for pelvic tumor removal much easier. Such progress in diagnostic methodolo gies, together with advancements in microsurgical techniques, methods of irradiation, and various adjuvant chemotherapies has led to significant improvements in the treat ment of pelvic tumors. Furthermore, these advancements were enhanced by the avail ability of various conventional and custom-made endoprostheses, plates and screws, spinal instruments, and external fixators made of 3161 stainless steel, titanium, high density polyethylene, and ceramics. Because sacral tumors are so silent and symptomless, they may grow to a large size and be difficult to excise. Removal of sacral tumors might make subjective symptoms worse because the sacrum contains the cauda equina. Excision of a tumor that involves the ilium and sacroiliac joint may interrupt the structural stability of the pelvic ring. A tumor affecting the hip joint may require reconstruction to re-establish the func of the hip and to provide stability for gait after operative treatment."

This important reference book presents the experience of Japanese surgeons in the operative treatment of bone and soft-tissue tumors arising in and around the pelvis. Drawing on more than three decades of work in the field, the authors chart the progress they have witnessed and helped to bring about in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic tumors. Among those developments are improvements in imaging and other diagnostic methodologies, as well as advancements in microsurgery, methods of irradiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Major sections of the book include surgical anatomy, histological classification, biopsy, preparation, surgical approach, reconstructive surgery, and complications and sequelae. Seventeen illustrative cases present the outcomes of a broad spectrum of operative treatments, creating a valuable resource and reference for orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, and all who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic tumors.