Hearing the words “pelvic tumor” is frightening enough. Hearing that the tumor is close to your hip joint—where every step, every bend, every attempt to sit or stand depends on healthy bone and muscle—can feel overwhelming. In Jerusalem, a young man from Maaleh Adumim recently faced exactly this situation, yet thanks to a rare and complex operation, surgeons were able to remove his pelvic tumor while preserving his hip function and giving him a real chance at walking normally again.


The story echoed, for many, the biblical image of Yaakov limping after his hip was struck. But in this modern case, advanced surgical planning, a multidisciplinary team, and careful rehabilitation turned a potentially disabling diagnosis into a hopeful outcome.


Orthopedic oncology surgeon Dr. Omer Or in the hospital
Dr. Omer Or, one of the orthopedic oncology surgeons involved in rare pelvic tumor surgeries that aim to preserve hip function. (Image credit: VINnews)

A Rare Pelvic Tumor with a High-Stakes Goal: Keep the Hip Working

Pelvic tumors are uncommon, and those that grow near the hip socket (acetabulum) present a major dilemma: how do you remove all of the tumor to reduce the risk of it returning, while still preserving enough bone, muscle, and nerve to allow the patient to walk?


In the Jerusalem case reported by VINnews, the young patient had a tumor in the pelvic region dangerously close to his hip joint. Traditionally, such tumors may require:

  • Extensive bone removal that can destabilize the hip.
  • Complex reconstruction with custom implants or bone grafts.
  • Sometimes, sacrificing part of the hip joint itself, leading to significant long-term disability.

Here, the orthopedic oncology team—led by specialists such as Dr. Omer Or and colleagues—opted for an aggressive yet precise approach: remove the tumor completely while maintaining the structural integrity needed for the hip to function.


“Pelvic tumor resection with hip preservation is one of the most technically demanding procedures in orthopedic oncology, requiring meticulous planning and intraoperative judgment to balance oncologic control with function.”

How Do You Remove a Pelvic Tumor and Still Protect the Hip?

Each hospital will have its own protocol, but modern pelvic tumor surgery generally follows several key steps supported by current orthopedic oncology research.


  1. Detailed imaging and mapping

    Surgeons typically use:

    • High-resolution CT scans for bone detail.
    • MRI scans to understand soft-tissue and nerve involvement.
    • Sometimes 3D modeling or printing to plan bone cuts and reconstruction.
  2. Multidisciplinary planning

    Orthopedic oncologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists coordinate to minimize complications and plan for both removal and recovery.

  3. Oncologic resection: removing the tumor

    The primary goal is to remove the tumor with “clean margins” (no cancer cells at the edges of the removed tissue), which is strongly associated with lower recurrence rates according to multiple studies in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research and similar journals.

  4. Reconstruction and hip preservation

    Depending on how much of the pelvis is removed, surgeons may:

    • Use custom metal implants to recreate parts of the pelvic ring.
    • Reinforce remaining bone with plates and screws.
    • Preserve and reattach crucial muscles and tendons to support the hip.
  5. Early, guided rehabilitation

    Physical therapy begins very soon after surgery—sometimes within days—to protect the reconstruction while slowly restoring movement, strength, and balance.



Understanding the Pelvis and Hip: What’s at Stake?

To appreciate how remarkable hip-preserving pelvic surgery is, it helps to visualize the anatomy. The pelvis forms a ring that connects your spine to your legs, while the hip joint is the ball-and-socket connection that lets you walk, climb stairs, and even simply shift your weight.


The pelvis and hip joint form a complex structure, making pelvic tumor surgery technically demanding. (Image: Public domain, Wikimedia Commons)

When a tumor grows near the hip socket:

  • The stability of the hip can be compromised.
  • Nerves that control leg function can be threatened.
  • Blood vessels supplying the leg may be at risk.

Preserving the hip means protecting not just bone, but this entire system—while still doing justice to the main goal: treating the tumor effectively.


From Operating Room to Walking Again: What Patients Can Expect

While every case is unique, stories like the young man from Maaleh Adumim give a realistic picture of what this journey can look like: a mix of fear, hope, pain, progress, and a lot of patience.


Patient practicing walking with a physical therapist after hip surgery
Guided physical therapy is crucial after pelvic tumor surgery to restore hip function as much as safely possible. (Image: Pexels, free to use)

Based on published data from orthopedic oncology centers and typical post-operative pathways, many patients can anticipate:

  • Initial hospital stay: Typically 5–14 days, depending on complexity and complications.
  • Pain management: Strong pain control early on, often transitioning to milder medications over weeks.
  • Protected weight-bearing: Using walkers or crutches while the bone and reconstruction heal.
  • Months of rehab: To regain strength, balance, and confidence walking.
  • Long-term monitoring: Regular imaging to check for tumor recurrence and implant stability.

“My first steps were terrifying,” a patient from a similar pelvic surgery shared with his rehab team. “But each week I could feel the leg trusting the hip a little more. It wasn’t miraculous—it was slow, steady, and worth it.”


What Does the Research Say About Hip-Preserving Pelvic Tumor Surgery?

Pelvic tumor surgery with hip preservation is still relatively rare, which is why cases like the Jerusalem operation draw attention. However, several specialized centers around the world have published their outcomes.


  • Limb-sparing advantage: Reviews in journals such as The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery report that, when feasible, limb-sparing surgery with hip preservation generally leads to better functional scores than amputation or hip-sacrificing procedures, though complication rates remain significant.
  • Complication risk: Studies highlight risks including infection, implant loosening, nerve injury, and gait abnormalities. These risks are real and must be discussed openly with patients.
  • Oncologic outcomes: Long-term survival and recurrence rates are strongly linked to tumor biology and surgical margins, rather than the specific reconstruction method alone.

For readers who want to dive deeper, you can search databases like PubMed for terms such as “pelvic tumor resection hip preservation” or “periacetabular tumor limb-sparing surgery.”


Facing Fear, Uncertainty, and Rehabilitation Challenges

It’s completely normal to feel anxious when you read about such a rare and complex operation—especially if you or someone you love is facing a similar diagnosis. Patients often share several common worries:


  • “Will I be able to walk again?”
  • “Will the pain ever get better?”
  • “What if the tumor comes back?”
  • “How will this affect my job, family, and daily life?”

These questions are valid. While no surgeon can guarantee outcomes, a supportive team will address each concern honestly and help you prepare both physically and emotionally.


Patient talking with a doctor about treatment options in a hospital
Open, honest conversations with your care team are essential when considering complex pelvic tumor surgery. (Image: Pexels, free to use)

Practical ways to cope include:

  • Bringing a trusted friend or family member to appointments to help remember details.
  • Writing down questions before you see your surgeon.
  • Asking specifically about expected function at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.
  • Connecting with rehabilitation psychologists or social workers for emotional support.


If You’re Facing a Pelvic Tumor Near the Hip: Steps to Take

Stories like the Maaleh Adumim patient’s can be inspiring, but what should you actually do if you’re in a similar medical situation?


  1. Seek care at a high-volume center

    Outcomes for complex pelvic tumor surgery are generally better at hospitals that regularly perform orthopedic oncology procedures. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor how many similar surgeries the team does each year.

  2. Request a multidisciplinary review

    Ask whether your case will be discussed in a tumor board or multidisciplinary conference. This helps ensure that surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and rehab specialists all weigh in.

  3. Clarify your options

    In some cases, you may have more than one reasonable approach (for example, more aggressive resection with complex reconstruction vs. more conservative surgery with different risks). Ask for a plain-language explanation of each approach, including risks and potential function.

  4. Prepare for rehabilitation early

    Meet with a physical therapist or rehabilitation doctor before surgery if possible. Understanding what rehab will look like can make it less intimidating and help you prepare your home environment.

  5. Lean on support networks

    Family, friends, community groups, and patient organizations can help with practical tasks (rides, meals, childcare) as well as emotional support.


Medical team reviewing imaging scans together
Multidisciplinary planning—surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists working together—is key in complex pelvic tumor cases. (Image: Pexels, free to use)

Before and After: What “Success” Really Looks Like

Pelvic tumor surgery is not a cosmetic “before and after.” Instead, success is usually measured in three main areas: tumor control, safety, and function.


Person walking with crutches in a hospital hallway
Early after surgery: walking aids and significant fatigue are common, and pain management is a priority. (Image: Pexels, free to use)
Person walking outdoors along a path, symbolizing recovery and mobility
Months later: many patients progress to more independent walking, though some may still use a cane or have a mild limp. (Image: Pexels, free to use)

For many patients:

  • “Before” may mean pain with every step and fear about the tumor’s growth.
  • “After” may mean a stable hip, reduced pain, and the ability to walk—perhaps with a mild limp, but with renewed independence.

That kind of functional, realistic success is exactly what the Jerusalem case represents: not a miracle cure, but a carefully executed, high-risk surgery that gave a young man back his chance to move through life on his own two feet.


Moving Forward: Hope, Not Hype

The story of the rare pelvic tumor operation in Jerusalem is both remarkable and responsibly hopeful. It shows what is possible when experienced surgeons, modern imaging, and dedicated rehabilitation come together for a motivated patient. It also reminds us that:


  • Complex surgeries can preserve function, but they come with real risks and challenges.
  • Recovery is usually gradual, measured in months and years, not days.
  • Every patient’s outcome will be shaped by tumor type, overall health, and the skill and experience of the treatment team.

If you or a loved one is facing a pelvic tumor near the hip, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Consider seeking an opinion at a specialized center, ask the hard questions, and make a decision that balances medical realities with your personal values and goals.


Your path may not be easy, but as this young man’s case demonstrates, with the right team and careful planning, it is possible to move from fear and uncertainty toward a future where walking, working, and living with dignity are still very much on the table.


Next step: Write down three questions you want to ask your doctor about surgery, function, and recovery—and schedule a visit where you have enough time to truly discuss them.