Rare bone metastases of the olecranon

Olecranon metastases from primary lung cancer: case report and review of the literature

Tumours in the olecranon are rare. A 62-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of pain in his right elbow that was relieved using routine painkillers. Persistent pain resulted in a reduction of the range of motion in the elbow and pain in the extensor and flexor groups of muscles of the forearm, which resulted in the patient seeking medical assistance. Radiography showed a round, radiolucent focus in the depth of the distal ulna. Computed tomography imaging of the thorax demonstrated one solid soft tissue mass. Histological investigation showed the cancer was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient received local radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, but he died of his primary disease 3 months later.

Prognosis and treatment of acrometastases: Observational study of 35 cases treated in a single institution

OBJECTIVE

There is a degree of contradiction in the literature about the primary tumour that is most frequently associated with acrometastases, as well as their prognosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the most frequent location of the acrometastases, the most frequent primary tumour according to its location, and to evaluate the surgical options according to the estimated survival.

METHODS

A retrospective study on patients diagnosed with acrometastases. The primary tumour, as well as the number, location, symptoms and treatment of the acrometastases and survival rate were collected.

RESULTS

35 acrometastases in 21 patients were reviewed: 4 in the upper limbs and 31 in the lower limbs; the tibia was the most frequently affected bone (N=13). The primary tumour that most frequently produced acrometastases in the lower limb was hypernephroma (19%). In the upper limb lung tumour was more frequent (25%). Eleven patients died (52%); 10 of them had concomitant multiple metastases. The mean survival was 42 months from the diagnosis of acrometastases.

CONCLUSION

Acrometastases are more frequently seen in the lower extremities and the most frequent tumour was hypernephroma followed by lung. The treatment of acrometastases depends on the prognosis of the primary tumour, so a multidisciplinary approach is essential. The mean survival in our series did not imply a poorer prognosis for acrometastases, so it is feasible to consider surgical options such as wide resection and reconstruction. A unique acrometastases is a good prognosis signal.

Rare Giant Cell Tumor of Olecranon Bone!!!!

INTRODUCTION

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a bone tumor involving epiphyseal area of bone abutting the subchondral bone. Commonly found in long bones such as proximal tibia and distal femur. We report a case of GCT of olecranon bone in a 23-year-old male.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old patient presented to our outpatient department with pain and mild swelling at the elbow from last 2 to 3 months. On examination, it was seen that there was a moderate swelling at the tip of the olecranon. The magnetic resonance imaging reported a lytic lesion in the olecranon but sparing the coronoid process of the ulna, the biopsy report confirmed that histologically it was a GCT of the bone. Total excision of the tumor was done after lifting the aponeurosis of the triceps muscle. The area remaining after excision of the tumor was phenol cauterized and cleaned with hydrogen peroxide solution. Triceps was reinserted on the remaining ulna. At follow-up the radiographs showed adequate excision of the tumor. The patient gained a full range of movement at the elbow and was functionally restored. There were no signs of any systemic spread of the tumor.

CONCLUSION

GCT though a very common bone tumor could be missed if present in atypical locations. Radiographically soap bubble appearance might not be present in every case, and there could be multiple diagnoses for lytic lesion in bone. Proper investigations and histopathological examination are necessary for accurate diagnosis and further treatment planning. Early treatment helps in complete excision of tumor along with return of adequate function of the patient.

Tumours and tumour mimics in the olecranon

Lesions in the olecranon are rare and may be identified during the investigation of a clinically suspected abnormality or as an incidental finding. This review describes the spectrum of tumours and tumour-like lesions that can involve the olecranon and illustrates the radiographic, CT, and MRI appearances that may facilitate diagnosis. A variety of pathological processes affecting the olecranon are presented and discussed including the epidemiology and imaging features.