Surgical Management of Pathological Humeral Fracture Revealing Bone Metastasis from Poorly Differentiated Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Bone metastases from poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma are rare and may present as pathological fractures with severe functional impairment. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old man presented with a pathological fracture of the proximal humerus caused by an osteolytic metastatic lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed metastatic poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent palliative intramedullary nailing, achieving successful fracture stabilization, uneventful recovery, and satisfactory functional restoration. He subsequently declined thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of prompt histological diagnosis and surgical stabilization in managing pathological fractures secondary to metastatic poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma. Intramedullary nailing provided effective pain relief and functional recovery, emphasizing its value in improving quality of life in patients with advanced disease.