Cancers
Photodynamic Bone Stabilization in Pathologic Humeral Fractures: Implant Safety, Pain Relief and Functional Outcomes
By Julian Haupt, Beatrice Jung, George M. Farah and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Pathologic fractures of the humerus due to metastatic disease cause severe pain, loss of function and reduced quality of life. Surgical treatment is predominantly palliative and aims to achieve rapid pain relief, early functional recovery and minimal treatment-related morbidity. The photodynamic bone stabilization system (IlluminOss®) is a minimally invasive, radiolucent, intramedullary device that may address these needs.
Methods
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from two centers included 51 patients with 52 pathologic humeral lesions (completed or impending fractures) treated with photodynamic intramedullary stabilization between 2013 and 2025. Baseline variables comprised demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, comorbidities, pain (numeric rating scale, NRS) and function (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Upper Extremity Score, MSTS-UE; Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, TESS). Lesion characteristics, operative details, in-hospital course, follow-up outcomes (TESS, patient satisfaction/quality of life) and long-term endpoints (survival, complications) were recorded.