The significance of metastasis to the bones and soft tissues of the hand.

We have treated six patients with cancer metastatic to the hand. All patients died within 6 months after the appearance of hand metastasis. We polled the combined membership of the American Association for Surgery of the Hand and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to determine their experience with this problem. We also reviewed the pertinent literature concerning this subject. The information obtained from the literature and the poll confirmed our experience. We have managed these patients by amputation, feeling that reconstructive procedures were not indicated if the time necessary to rehabilitate the patient after reconstruction exceeds the patient's life expectancy.