The GDO Blog

Primary Bone Cancer Primary bone cancers are defined as cancers that originate in the bone itself rather than spreading to the bone from another part of the body. These cancers are much more rare than cancers that spread to the bone from elsewhere. Certain primary bone cancers affect older adults more than children or affect […]

What is a Complex Reconstruction? In short, a complex reconstruction is an orthopedic surgery performed to substantially repair a bone, joint, or prosthesis that is failing and significantly impacting the quality of life of an individual. An important distinction is that standard joint replacements are not considered a complex reconstruction, but a revision to a […]

Surgical Excision This is a broad term for a procedure in which the tumor, whether in bone or soft tissue, is removed through surgery. Often, surgical excision is paired with radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumor. Lower-grade sarcomas typically only require surgical excision and ongoing observation. Under the umbrella of surgical excision […]

How long does an artificial joint last? Like a car, it depends. On average, a reliable hip or knee joint prosthesis should last about 15 years. However, some can last 20 years while others only 10. Over time, wear and tear compromises the fixation — where it is placed — and the mechanics — how […]

By the time you reach my age, you get very familiar with hospitals. I’ve had a hip replacement, a knee replacement, and a heart attack. You get the idea. I’ve dealt with a lot of doctors for a lot of different reasons, so believe me when I say GDO is different. It all started with […]

My experience with orthopedic surgery started a while ago. I’m a Vietnam veteran and was wounded in combat, which ultimately resulted in me losing my leg in 1969. At that time, it meant I was in the hospital for about 9 months. In the time since then, I’ve reached a point of proficiency with prosthetics, […]

I was working out at the gym and felt a knot in my left thigh, which I assumed was a pulled muscle. I tried to work it out myself but nothing seemed to make it go away. I went to see my doctor and he referred me to a physical therapist. Upon that recommendation, I […]

Around June of 2015, shortly after my youngest child arrived, I found a hard spot behind my knee on my right leg. I thought it was likely a strained tendon, and with how busy life was at that moment, I just put it on the back burner. A few months later, while grocery shopping, I […]

What is Chondrosarcoma? Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone sarcoma that occurs most often in the pelvis, hip, and shoulder but can develop in other bones. Like all bone sarcomas, it is exceptionally rare, but among bone sarcomas specifically, it is the most commonly diagnosed.  Chondrosarcoma is typically a slow-growing cancer, meaning it takes some […]

What is Liposarcoma? Liposarcoma is a soft tissue tumor that begins in fat cells but can expand to other areas of the body. Like all sarcomas, liposarcomas are exceptionally rare. Liposarcoma can vary in terms of its spread, with some cases growing rapidly and spreading to many areas of the body while others grow slowly […]

What is Lung Cancer Bone Metastasis? Lung cancer bone metastasis occurs when an individual suffering from lung cancer has that cancer spread to the nearby areas of bone. Among lung cancer patients, between 30% & 40% will suffer from bone metastasis during the course of their treatment.   What are the Symptoms and When Does […]

Biopsy While not an actual mode of treatment, a biopsy is always the first step in the treatment process. When it is suspected that a patient is suffering from metastatic bone disease, a biopsy is critical in confirming that diagnosis.   Prophylactic Fixation An immediate risk to an individual confirmed to have metastatic bone disease […]