Cast splintage: An alternative to internal fixation for the treatment of metastatic diaphyseal femoral fractures secondary to carcinoma of the prostate in developing countries

Abstract

Carcinoma of the prostate is the most common malignant tumor in men over 65 years of age, and the prostate is the most common site of origin for skeletal metastases. The femur is the long bone most commonly affected by metastatic prostate disease resulting in pathologic fractures. Internal fixation with the proper constructs is the standard treatment for metastatic diaphyseal femoral fractures secondary to carcinoma of the prostate in well-equipped hospitals in developed countries. In developing countries such as ours where many of the hospitals are ill-equipped, and these constructs are hardly available, cast splintage is a viable alternative to being considered. It is efficacious as demonstrated in this case report of a patient with bilateral metastatic diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with bilateral high above knee full casts. Casting materials are cheap, readily available, and affordable, and patients are discharged home early.