Musculoskeletal Oncology and the Knee

The knee is a common location for benign and malignant tumor and tumor-like conditions. As several of these conditions present with pain, swelling, and/or functional limitations, many patients are seen initially by nononcologic surgeons. An appropriate awareness and workup of these patients can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment as a delay in either can have detrimental functional limitations and even limb/life-threatening sequelae in the worst of circumstances.

This special focus section of the Journal of Knee Surgery offers the readership a discussion regarding the common tumor and tumor-like conditions that are encountered around the knee including benign and malignant conditions including their evaluation and management. Three of the articles discuss the most common benign and malignant bone tumors that are encountered in the distal femur and proximal tibia. The authors discuss how to manage these in the face of common orthopaedic conditions as well as appropriate data interpretation and referral to oncologic surgeons in a timely fashion when needed. Common intra- and periarticular soft tissue pathologies are discussed including their radiographic interpretation. The last article discusses the utility and outcomes of allograft reconstruction of the knee.

On behalf of all the authors of this special focus section, we would like to thank the Journal of Knee Surgery for this opportunity to provide the readership with an informative review of musculoskeletal oncology as it pertains to the knee.