Abstract
Aim of presentation: We present a case of patellar metastasis from lung carcinoma resulting in pathological fracture.
Material and methods: A 66 years old man with a clinical diagnosis of carcinoma of lung presented with complaints of severe pain in his right knee after a minor injury. Radiograph revealed undisplaced fracture of patella through a lytic area. A fine needle biopsy was done which showed infiltration of bone by non-small cell carcinoma consistent with origin in lung. Patient was treated conservatively in a splint and received local radiotherapy for pain relief. The fracture healed clinically and radiologically in six weeks time inspite of increase in the size of tumour on x-rays.
Conclusion: Patella is a rare site of metastasis. Mercury et al reviewed the literature from 1900 to 2000 and reported about 15 cases of patellar metastasis from lung carcinoma. Pathological fractures are even rare. This case is presented as a rare case of pathological fracture of patella.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Tillman. Correspondence should be addressed to BOOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
