In multiple myeloma there is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow and other tissues. It usually occurs aftet the age of 50. Multiple myeloma affects more than one system and the clinical features are therefore varied. The skeletal system bears the brunt of the disease and the bone marrow is extensively involved. The bones usually affected are the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, pelvis and long bones of the extremities. Single or multiple fractures of the bones are most common in such patients. The main clinical features are backache and pain in other bones. Osteolytic lesions of the bones are characteris-_ tic of multiple myeloma. Osteoporosis occurs in some. Chemotherapy can increase survival time for the patient to some extent, but, in the long run, it is disappointing.