Biomechanics of Metastatic Defects in Bone

The purpose of this study is to monitor fracture risk associated with bone tumors in cancer patients. Previous studies from our lab have suggested that it is possible to compute the mechanical strength of bones with tumors using computed tomography (CT) scans, which are like three-dimensional X-ray pictures of the affected bones. The next step in determining the usefulness of this type of strength analysis is to see if we can accurately predict who is at risk for bone fracture and which patients are at high risk of fractures. This non-invasive analysis may help physicians determine the best treatment to reduce the risk of an impending bone fracture in the future.