CU Orthopaedics offers world class care for musculoskeletal tumors and bone infections. Our multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, oncologists, and nurses is dedicated to the treatment of these very rare conditions.

Treatments and Procedures

Orthopaedic Tumors
Malignant or Benign bone tumors/soft tissue sarcomas or tumor of the limbs or pelvis

The University of Colorado Hospital and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has a special unit for patients with bone and soft tissue tumors (benign or malignant) of the limbs, spine and pelvis.

Patients with these tumors need a team approach comprised of experts in radiology, pathology, orthopaedic surgery, medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation oncology (radiotherapy), tumor counseling, information consultants and nurses.

The UCD Orthopaedic Tumor Unit (Musculoskeletal Tumor Unit) offers all of the services to you as a patient under one umbrella. When you visit our clinic we will ensure that all of your appointments with all the different members at the Unit are done cohesively.

The members of the Unit are all highly specialized and deal with similar cases like yours on a regular basis. We also agree on a treatment plan for you and abide by highly respected proven treatment plans. We respect patient privacy and our members are always available for discussion and advise.

Bone Infections/Osteomyelitis, Septic Joints/Septic Artificial Joints

The University of Colorado Denver (UCD) has a specialized unit dealing with bone and joint infections. The Unit functions as a team with highly qualified radiologists, pathologists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists and reconstructive surgeons, working to repair your infection.

Pediatric Orthopedic Care

Our physicians are expert orthopaedists who provide consultations to community physicians for common pediatric orthopedic problems. Our specialty providers also collaborate with community physicians to provide a comprehensive continuum of care when more complex treatment is needed. Our pediatric orthopedists and providers are involved in several clinical research studies for the advancement of pediatric orthopedic treatment protocols that are coordinated by Musculoskeletal Research Center. Patients of The Children’s Hospital have access to the most advanced pediatric orthopedic care in the Rocky Mountain region. Visit The Children's Hospital website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bone tumor? A bone tumor is a spontaneous growth that starts anywhere in bone. It starts at a small group of cells that escape normal control mechanisms and grow. Eventually it destroys the surrounding normal bone and may be so large that it breaks through the confines at the bone and it is then palpable as a nodule or mass.

What is the difference between a malignant or benign tumor? Both grow locally and should not be inside the bone or muscle. Malignant tumors are usually more aggressive, grow faster and tend to metastatize (spread to other parts of the body) and they may spread to the lungs (most common). Benign tumors tend to grow slower and they also destroy the normal bone or muscle but do not metastasize. Benign tumors also tend not to recur as often as malignant tumors after surgical removal.

What is a soft tissue tumor? This is a growth (multiplications) of abnormal cells usually within muscle or fat tissue. It later forms a nodule which becomes larger and is essentially palpable with your fingers. Again this may be benign or malignant.

How do we treat tumors? We may surgically excise them (cut them out). Some tumors will be treated with radiation and or chemotherapy followed by an operation. Also surgical removal of the tumor especially in the bone, the portion of bone or joint that has been removed must be replaced. This is done by way of a dorsal bone transplant or a metal prosthesis.

What is a muscle or skin flap? After removal of the tumor and a layer of the normal tissue, a hole (defect) is left behind and sometimes it is not possible to just pull the skin edges together because the defect is too big. A muscle or skin from a nearby location is then transferred to fill the gap. This procedure enhances healing.

What is Osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis is a condition where bacteriae locate themselves in a bone and start to multiply bone. Bacteriae gain access to bone via the blood stream. These bacteriae then move along with the blood stream to bone and start a new infection. Occasionally they travel from the hair follicles in your skin to the deeper bone after an operation. Open fractures where the bone fragments protrude through the skin from inside out also pick up bacteriae from your clothes or soil.

What is a joint infection? Joint Infections occur for the same reason as a bone infection; bacteriae may travel to a joint with the blood stream but they start a joint infection. They may also go to a newly implanted artificial joint, start to multiply, cause inflammation, and eventually pus will form. Your joint will become painful, red, warm, and swollen.

How are joint infections treated? Antibiotics are used to treat joint infections. The joint is washed with sterile water but sometimes your artificial joint must be removed, only to be replaced later.