Prediction of pathologic fracture risk of the femur after combined modality treatment of soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh

Abstract

Radiation-related fractures of the femur after combined surgery and radiotherapy for STS are uncommon, but are difficult to manage and their nonunion rate is extremely high. The results of the current study suggest that it is possible to predict radiation-associated pathological fracture risk using patient and treatment variables with high sensitivity and specificity. This would allow for the identification of high-risk patients and treatment with either close follow-up or prophylactic intramedullary nail stabilization. The presentation of this model as a nomogram will facilitate its clinical use.