Compound osteosyntheses are in fact mostly intended to effect temporary (i.e. for a limited time) stabilization of pathological fractures, especially of spontaneous fractures in the case of metastasizing tumours. However, in view of the fact that progression of such tumours metastasizing into the skeleton cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy, it is better to bridge over the spontaneous fracture not only by means of a compound of bone cement and metal plate, but also to see to it--as far as ever possible--that bony healing is induced via grafting of autogenous bone material. If this is not done, prolonged stress on the metal/cement compound may result in fatigue rupture.