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Pathological Femoral Shaft Fracture from Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Managed with Cemented Spacer and Nailing: A Rare Case with 2-Year Follow-Up

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Case Report | Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 10 | Issue 2 | July-December 2025 | page: 125-128 | Suyog Wagh, Pradeep Nair, Shaligram Purohit, Arvind Goregaonkar, Aibin B Michael, Tushar Ramteke

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jcorth.2025.v10.i02.800

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 17 Aug 2025, Review Date: 12 Sep 2025, Accepted Date: 28 Nov 2025 & Published Date: 10 Dec 2025

Author: Suyog Wagh [1], Pradeep Nair [1], Shaligram Purohit [1], Arvind Goregaonkar [1], Aibin B Michael [1], Tushar Ramteke [1]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Suyog Wagh,
Department of Orthopaedics, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: suyogwagh6159@gmail.com

Abstract

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) accounts for a small proportion of all malignancies but is among the cancers most frequently associated with bone metastasis, especially in the axial skeleton. Metastatic involvement of the appendicular skeleton is rare, and pathological fractures of the femoral shaft are even more uncommon. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), due to its angioinvasive nature, shows a markedly higher propensity for hematogenous spread to bone than papillary thyroid carcinoma. These lesions significantly impair mobility and quality of life, often necessitating surgical intervention when life expectancy is reasonable. We describe a rare case of a 45-year-old male with metastatic FTC who presented with a pathological fracture of the femoral shaft. After multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient underwent wide segmental resection of the diseased femur, followed by intramedullary interlocking nailing with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement augmentation. This strategy provided immediate structural stability, allowed early weight-bearing, and offered potential cytoreductive benefit from PMMA-induced thermal effects. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with significant pain relief and restoration of full function within 6 weeks. At 2-year follow-up, the patient remained ambulatory without limitations, with stable local control and ongoing oncological management. This case highlights that aggressive surgical management with stable reconstruction can yield excellent functional outcomes in selected patients with metastatic FTC, particularly when presenting with pathological fractures of weight-bearing bones. Durable fixation, early mobilization, and individualized multidisciplinary planning are crucial in optimizing quality of life in advanced thyroid carcinoma with skeletal metastases.
Keywords: Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma, Bone Metastasis, Pathological Fracture, Intramedullary Nailing, Cement Augmentation

References

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How to Cite this Article: Wagh S, Nair P, Purohit S, Goregaonkar A, Michael AB, Ramteke T. Pathological Femoral Shaft Fracture from Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Managed with Cemented Spacer and Nailing: A Rare Case with 2-Year Follow-UpJournal of Clinical Orthopaedics. July-December 2025;10(2):125-128.

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A multidisciplinary approach to the management of spinal metastasis: A review article

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Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics | Vol 6 | Issue 2 |  Jul-Dec 2021 | page: 16-22 | Siddharth Badve, Arjun Dhawale, Kshitij Chaudhary, Chetan Anchan

Author: Siddharth Badve [1], Arjun Dhawale [2], Kshitij Chaudhary [3], Chetan Anchan [4]

[1] Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Musculoskeletal Institute, Geisinger Health System; MS (Orthopedics), Lewistown, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

[2] Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

[3] Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

[4] Orthopaedic Onco-surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Siddharth Badve,
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Musculoskeletal Institute, Geisinger Health System; MS (Orthopedics), Lewistown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
E-mail: siddharthbadve@hotmail.com

Abstract

Spinal metastasis is a frequent occurrence in patients presenting with advanced malignancy. The burden of this condition is on rise, especially with the availability of aggressive treatment regimens for the primary disease and the improvement in the patient survival. Thoracic spine is the most affected region. The likely source of the primary is from the breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, or kidney. Certain hematological and other malignant conditions can also develop an early spinal involvement that requires timely evaluation and management. The goals for the management of the spinal lesion include preservation of the neurological function, pain control, and maintenance of spinal stability. On the whole, the aim of the treatment continues to palliation in majority of the scenarios. The management strategy is based on the factors that include the patient condition, life expectancy, nature of the tumor pathology, extent of spinal cord compression, severity of neurological deficit, pain control, and the effect on spinal stability. A multidisciplinary approach involving medical oncology, radiation oncology, spine surgery, palliative care and other subspecialtiess forms the cornerstone of the management. Although giant strides have been reported in the advancement of the treatment for spinal metastasis, majority of these avenues are beyond the reach of the patient population from the developing societies. Lack of referral facilities, resource constraints, and geographic disparities are major impediments. The lack of awareness and consensus on the management protocols within the treatment team and the medical community in general poses another challenge in providing an acceptable standard of care. This article offers an insight into the principles that guide the management of spinal metastasis. The application of these principles in the background of the resource constraints that are unique to the South Asian population has also been addressed. This is a synopsis on the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of spinal metastasis along with the review of the relevant literature.

Keywords: Vertebral metastasis, spinal stability, pathological fracture, spinal cord compression

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How to Cite this article: Badve S, Dhawale A, Chaudhary K, Anchan C. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of spinal metastasis: A review article. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics Jul-Dec 2021;6(2):16-22.

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