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Helping families navigate bone cancer surgery decisions

Empowering families to make informed surgical choices when a bone tumor is located near the knee joint.

A diagnosis of osteosarcoma in a child or young adult brings uncertainty and life-changing decisions. The Osteosarcoma Decision Aid is a free, evidence-based resource designed to support patients and families as they consider options such as amputation, limb salvage surgery or rotationplasty. Created with input from patients, parents and orthopedic oncologists, this guide helps individuals understand the realities of each option, anticipate life after surgery, and engage in shared decision-making with their medical team.

What this resource offers:

  • Clear explanations of surgical options and potential outcomes
  • Guidance on how to talk to your surgeon using the PACE strategy
  • Stories from patients and families who’ve faced similar decisions
  • Questions to consider when imagining life after surgery
  • Tips for involving children and teens in the decision-making process

The Osteosarcoma Decision Aid is designed for use in conversations with your surgeon — it does not replace medical advice. All content has been reviewed by orthopedic oncology experts and is updated regularly.

Decisions are hard. Information shouldn’t be.


A young patient with a prosthetic leg stands outside on a sunny fall day

We received the diagnosis in October 2023. Rotationplasty was immediately recommended. However, we sat down with our orthopedic doctor in November, who used this site and related videos to walk us through our options. The doctor then shared the site with us to review on our own. I also used it to help explain our decision to family members. Surgery took place in January 2024, and this site was pivotal in getting us there.

Joe Coleman

Father and Caregiver

a fan of colorful cards is spread out on a table

Discussion cards coming soon

Discussion cards based on the Osteosarcoma Decision Aid are in production and expected to be available in fall 2026.

Janet Panoch speaks on stage at a podium

Spotlight on Osteosarcoma Decision Aid

Janet Panoch, PhD, developed the Osteosarcoma Decision Aid with input from patients, parents and orthopedic oncologists. She spoke with MIB Agents about what inspired the creation of Osteosarcoma Decision Aid, who it’s meant to support and how it’s helping people navigate these choices with more clarity and confidence.