Ep. 87 Advanced Techniques in Orthopedic Oncology: Bone Ablation for Skeletal Metastases with Dr. Francis Lee

“We learn traditionally that bone metastasis is terminal.” 一 Or is it? In this episode of the BackTable MSK podcast, host Dr. Jacob Fleming welcomes Dr. Francis Lee, a leading figure in orthopedic oncology, to discuss advancements in treating skeletal metastasis. Dr. Lee, the Wayne O. Southwick Professor from Yale and President-elect of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, shares his innovative AORIF (Ablation, Osteoplasty, Reinforcement and Internal Fixation) technique, which emphasizes collaboration between orthopedic oncologists and interventional radiologists. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Medtronic. --- SYNPOSIS The conversation covers the complexities of bone metastasis, the biomechanics of skeletal ablation, and the importance of understanding bone-cancer interactions. Dr. Lee also shares insights from his translational research on cancer and bone dynamics, and emphasizes the need for continued interdisciplinary collaboration to drive forward minimally invasive treatments. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Crash Course: Orthopedic Oncology 10113:24 - The Important Role of Biomechanics20:10 - Dr Lee’s Training and Interdisciplinary Collaboration28:13 - Intraoperative Imaging and Techniques in AORIF40:15 - Cannulated Screws for Access and Fixation 42:24 - Case Study: Sacral Insufficiency Fracture and Cement Injection44:17 - Understanding Cement Properties and Application46:45 - Case Study Series: Approach to Reconstruction57:58 - Decision Making in Complex Procedures01:08:40 - The Power of Bone Regeneration01:12:31 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Dr. Francis Lee, MD, PhD, FAAOS, MBAhttps://medicine.yale.edu/profile/francis-lee/ Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Ablation, Osteoplasty, Reinforcement, and Internal Fixation (AORIF) for Osteolytic Lesions in the Pelvis and Periarticular Regions of Weight-Bearing Boneshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32139256/