Isolated skeletal metastasis to the patella.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Oncology
• Skeletal Metastases
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Patellar metastases are exceptionally rare in medical literature.
• Adenocarcinoma can metastasize to unusual skeletal sites.
• Effective management strategies for patellar metastases are not well-established.

Observation:

• A 51-year-old male patient with stage IIIB adenocarcinoma presented with a patellar metastasis.
• The metastasis was diagnosed one year post-radiation and chemotherapy.
• The patient experienced significant pain and reduced mobility due to the patellar lesion.

Findings:

• An incisional biopsy with curettage of the patellar lesion was performed.
• Methylmethacrylate bone cement was used to fill the resultant patellar defect.
• Six months post-surgery, the patient reported no pain and regained ambulation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the possibility of rare patellar metastases from adenocarcinoma.
• Palliative surgery, including curettage and bone cementation, can be an effective treatment option.
• Surgical intervention may significantly improve quality of life and functional outcomes in patients with rare bone metastases.