Metastatic carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the bone. Metastases to the upper limbs of the skeleton are extremely uncommon, with only 10–15% occurring in this region. Metastases to the hand and wrist comprise about 0.15% of all hand tumours, and only 0.1% of all metastases. Carpal bone metastases are much rarer than those to the metacarpal and phalangeal bones. They usually masquerade as more common hand pathology such as arthritis or osteomyelitis. Given the bleak prognosis of carpal metastatic disease in lung cancer, treatment of a metastasis to the hand is usually palliative. Contrary to earlier beliefs, palliative radiotherapy plays a significant role in pain relief and improving hand mobility in patients diagnosed with metastatic disease of the hand. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the lung with metastases to the capitate bone of the carpus treated with palliative radiotherapy.

Thoracic impalement injuries are very rare and the majority of patients do not survive to reach a medical care facility. In this case report, we describe the successful outcome of a case of double thoracic impalement by two steel tors, of which one steel tor had impaled two patients simultaneously. The case report highlights all aspects of managing such rare and complex cases right from prehospital care; extrication process which happened under controlled environment at the trauma centre itself, till the definitive management of the impaled thoracic objects. Thoracic impalement injuries are dramatic and appear very challenging. However presence of mind of the managing team, coordinated team effort and availability of adequate facilities can lead to a successful outcome.
Humans ; Thoracic Injuries ; Wounds, Penetrating