Orthopedic Oncology Department

The National Orthopedic Oncology department at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center treats patients with tumors and tumor-like conditions (oncological and non-oncological) of the skeletal system (bones and joints) and soft tissues in limbs, the pelvis, shoulders, spine, thoracic and abdominal walls, and, in some cases, head and neck.

The department also offers essential services for:

  • Metastatic bone disease
  • Pediatric orthopedic oncology

Medical staff

Dr. Yair Gortzak

Director, Orthopaedic Oncology Department and Clinic

Dr. Omri Merose

Dr. Solomon Dadia

Dr. Ortal Segal

Dr. Amir Sternheim

Diseases treated

Diseases treated include:

  • Malignant and benign primary tumors
  • Malignant secondary tumors (metastases)
  • Pseudo-tumor conditions requiring intensive surgery, even in non-malignant cases, such as life-threatening infections.

Main goal: limb preservation

The main goal of the department is to preserve limbs—to prevent the need for amputation. In order to achieve this goal, the medical staff uses various artificial implants and bone tissue grafts, or a combination of the two. Average limb preservation success is in the range of 90% – 95%.

Specialty procedures

Among the specialty procedures performed by expert orthopedic oncologists at TASMC are:

  • Cryosurgery for bone tumors
  • Implantation of non-invasive expandable prosthesis – for uniform bone growth in children 
  • Free flap/microvascular surgery – free-tissue transfer for reconstruction of complex tissue conditions.

National center of excellence

The Orthopedic Oncology department is recognized by the Israel Ministry of Health as a specialized medical service, which means that Israelis belonging to any national health plan are entitled to apply for and receive treatment in the department, regardless of location of residence in Israel.

Patient-focused care for children

Pediatric orthopedic oncologists at TASMC specialize in accommodating bone growth in children to ensure future growth and preserve future limb symmetry. Oncologists use specialized prosthetics that expand using magnetic or electronic remote controls.

Children treated by the Orthopedic Oncology department are hospitalized in TASMC’s Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital.

Multidisciplinary treatment

The Orthopedic Oncology team is multidisciplinary, offering a comprehensive approach throughout the patient’s treatment, follow-up, and recovery—to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Patients undergoing additional treatment, such as chemotherapy, are hospitalized in the location that best suits their medical condition.

Research

Medical professionals in the department publish 10-15 scientific papers annually in international forums and journals.