Title

Metastatic Breast Carcinoma of the Coracoid Process: Two Case Reports

Authors

Eric C. Benson, University of New Mexico
Darren S. Drosdowech, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-26-2010

Journal

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

Volume

5

Issue

22

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1749-799X-5-22

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coracoid process of the scapula is a rare site of involvement for metastatic disease or for primary tumors. We are unaware of any reports in the literature of pathologic coracoid process fractures and only one report of metastatic disease to the coracoid.

METHODS AND RESULTS: In this case report, we present two cases with metastatic breast carcinoma of the coracoid process, one of which presented with a pathologic fracture of the coracoid.

CONCLUSIONS: An orthopaedic surgeon must be aware of the potential for metastatic disease to the coracoid as they may be the first medical provider to encounter evidence of malignant disease.