OBJECTIVETo investigate the indication, approach and results of the surgical treatment of multiple myeloma.

METHODSThe authors reported 29 surgically-treated patients with solitary or multiple myeloma of the bone between January 1997 and January 2002. There are 17 males and 12 females with average age of 59.5 years (range 38 - 76 years). The primary tumour localizations were: vertebral column in 9, rib in1, humerus in 2, proximal femur in 2, femur shaft in 3, pelvis in 6, sacrum in 6. The 29 patients had undergone the following surgical procedures: vertebral tumours were excited through the anterior or posterior approach, combined with a stabilizing procedure in 7 cases. Tumors on thoracic spine were resected using anterior approach. 4 endoprotheses of replacement were performed, indnding two on proximal femur, one on humerus, and one on pelvis. The pathologic fracture was fixated by internal fixation. Neurological impairment was evaluated according to Frankel system. The study evaluated the complications, neurologic function improvement, life quality, and survival after the surgical treatment.

RESULTSThe pain was relieved in all cases and the neurological function was improved after the surgery. Local recurrence were found in three cases during the follow-up time.

CONCLUSIONThe symptom of the patients can be relieved by the surgery. Our experience suggests that surgical interruption on multiple myeloma in some cases may be rewarding.