Osteoid Osteoma of the Thumb: A Case Report

Osteoid osteoma is a rare occurrence in the hand, and only a small percentage affects the thumb and distal phalanges. An 18-year-old right-hand-dominant man presented to our office with an approximately 1-year history of left thumb pain without any history of trauma. He had seen several doctors previously and undergone multiple diagnostic tests with no definitive diagnosis. Plain radiographs and computed tomography at our institution were consistent with the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. The patient was treated with surgical excision of the lesion without bone grafting. The diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was confirmed by pathology. At 6 months follow-up, the patient showed complete resolution of pain and full restoration of hand function. This case demonstrates that osteoid osteoma should not be forgotten as a differential diagnosis in patients with finger pain, especially in individuals who have not yet or just recently have reached skeletal maturity.     

Arthroscopic Removal of an Intraarticular Osteoid Osteoma of the Distal Tibia

Intraarticular osteoid osteomas can simulate several other traumatic or degenerative pathologies of the joint with delay in diagnosis. We report the clinical features, radiographic and histopathological findings, the technical aspects of arthroscopic excision, and results of surgery in a 28-year-old woman who had an intraarticular osteoid osteoma of her left ankle, in whom the initial diagnosis was erroneous and delayed 1 year. Arthroscopy allowed minimally invasive complete excision of the osteoid osteoma, with a short postoperative rehabilitation and excellent functional results.     

The diagnostic dilemma created by osteoid osteoma that presents as knee pain

Purpose: Osteoid osteoma is a rare benign bone lesion with a high incidence in adolescents and young people. The objective of our study was to illustrate the difficulties in diagnosis of osteoid osteoma in patients presenting with atypical knee pain. Type of Study: Retrospective case series. Methods: In 10 patients who presented to our department with atypical knee pain between 1984 and 1999, the diagnosis of an osteoid osteoma was delayed. Retrospective review of these 10 cases was performed using interviews and re-evaluation of medical histories, radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans, isotope bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Initial radiographs showed features of osteiod osteoma in only 2 cases. In addition, in 1 case, not only initial but also repeated radiographs of the knee joint were still normal 10 months after the delineation of the nidus using MRI. Four unnecessary arthroscopies were performed on 4 of the 10 patients and the final diagnosis was established using MRI, CT, and isotope bone scan. The mean time interval between arthroscopy and osteiod osteoma diagnosis was 11.5 months. Conclusions: Osteoid osteoma must be included in the differential diagnosis of persistent unexplained knee pain, especially when objective findings of the knee are vague. The presence of the lesion juxta-articular to the knee joint or in the midshaft or upper end of the femur may be referred as pain to a nearby joint. Plain radiographs have a low diagnostic value in the detection of the lesion whereas isotope bone scan and MRI are reliable imaging techniques. The evaluation of the ipsilateral hip joint should not be overlooked.     

Osteoid osteoma of the carpal bones

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor that rarely localizes in the hand or the carpal bones. We report two cases of osteoid osteoma localized in two different carpal bones. Unremitting wrist pain was a major clinical symptom. Surgical treatment including excision of the nidus was dramatically curative. In young patients, osteoid osteoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic wrist pain. Received: 21 May 1999     

Arthrite de l’arrière-pied révélatrice d’un ostéome ostéoïde intra-articulaire. À propos de deux cas

Osteoid osteoma is a tumour, commonly found in the long bones. The intra-articular presentation in the hindfoot is very rare. We are reporting on two cases of intraarticular osteoid osteoma of the subtalar joint located on the calcaneus. Atypical clinical symptomatology was the reason for the delayed diagnosis. In both cases, a CAT scan of the ankle enabled a diagnosis of osteoid osteoma to be made. Open surgical resection enabled a full recovery to be achieved, with all pain being alleviated. Through these two case studies, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects of the intra-articular presentation of osteoid osteoma in the foot and ankle will be discussed.     

Osteoid osteoma of the sesamoid bone: An unusual localization

Osteoid osteoma is the most common benign bone tumor because it accounts for 10–12% of all these tumors. Localized most often with long bones (75% of cases), especially in the tibia and femur, osteoid osteoma can evoke other etiologies, especially when it is juxta-articular. We report the case of an osteoid osteoma of the sesamoid in a 23-year-old patient with no particular history who presented pain at the root of his hallux evolving for 6 months. The clinical examination was without abnormalities. Standard X-rays found no lesions. The tomodensitometry of the foot showed an image "cockade" with a peripheral sclera ring. The patient underwent surgical excision with simple operative follow-up and disappearance of pain at one year of follow-up. The histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis. The osteoid osteoma of the sesamoid bone is exceptional. The diagnosis may be delayed due to misleading "articular" symptomatology.     

Osteoid osteoma that occurred in a former fracture site

Diagnosis of osteoid osteoma often is delayed, despite its high incidence, because of similarities in presenting symptoms with other pathologic entities. The current case report describes a posttraumatic osteoid osteoma. Three years after osteosynthesis of a distal tibial fracture an osteoid osteoma was diagnosed at the former fracture site. After excluding osteomyelitis as a possible diagnosis, the tumor was excised successfully. Based on current knowledge of the pathogenesis of osteoid osteoma, it is unlikely that the lesion observed in the patient was attributable to the previous fracture.     

Painful and tender toe,osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx of toe,a diagnostic dilemma

Osteoid osteoma rarely involves the phalanges of the toes. Basically osteoid osteoma is often a diagnostic dilemma in musculoskeletal practice especially in the foot and ankle. Its presentation is confusing and this may result in delayed diagnosis. We have reported a case of osteoid osteoma of the distal phalanx of the second toe which was treated successfully with surgical excision and reviewed the literature.     

Osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist

Eighteen cases of osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist were treated between 1985 and 1999. The diagnosis was confirmed pre-operatively with X-rays, bone scintigraphy, CT, and MRI, and all the diagnoses were later confirmed by histological examination. The authors highlight the difficulties in the diagnosis of the osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist. An accurate clinical history and a high index of suspicion are required. Three phase bones scans are highly sensitive for osteoid osteoma and should be used in conjunction with CT examination to facilitate diagnosis and pre-operative planning. All the patients were treated surgically, by removal of the tumour, with complete resolution of all symptoms.     

Intra- and juxta-articular osteoid osteoma: a diagnostic challenge

Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumour in young adults. The clinical manifestations are generally typical nocturnal pain that prevents sleep and that is alleviated with aspirin. When the typical clinical and radiological features are present, diagnosis is not difficult. Problems in the differential diagnosis may arise in connection with an unusual location. We report on the clinical features, radiographic and histopathological findings, treatment, and results of four patients who were managed for an intra- or juxta-articular osteoid osteoma at our medical centre between 2000 and 2002 and in whom the initial diagnosis was erroneous and delayed from 1 to 10 years. In order to remove these lesions, we performed a CT-guided en block retrograde resection under arthroscopic control for juxta-articular osteoid osteomas (knee) and an arthroscopy-assisted en block antegrade resection in two cases of intra-articular osteoid osteoma (elbow and shoulder). None of the osteoid osteomas recurred in the follow-up period, and each patient got relief from pain.     

Intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the lower extremity: diagnostic problems

We report five cases of intra-articular osteoid osteoma. Physical findings of osteoid osteoma vary with the site of the tumor. Juxta- and intra-articular osteoid osteomas present various atypical and nonspecific features. They are recorded both for their rarity and for the unusual clinical and roentgenographic findings that may delay diagnosis or induce misdiagnosis. Specialized imaging techniques may hasten diagnosis, but only an accurate clinical history, with a high index of suspicion, can allow for a proper diagnosis. When the diagnosis is suspected, we suggest that the most sensitive test is a "three-phase" technetium-99m bone-scan followed by computerized tomographic-scanning. Detailed evaluation of the suspected area, using thin sections is required to prevent misinterpretation, especially in a diagnosis involving first sprain of an ankle. The following cases of intra-articular osteoid osteoma illustrate the problems encountered in their diagnosis.     

Osteoid Osteoma of the Metacarpal Bone Presenting After An Injury

We present a case of osteoid osteoma of the right third metacarpal bone in a 23-year-old man. He had an apparent history of initial injury, followed by pain and swelling. He was initially treated for post-traumatic periostosteitis, so that the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was delayed. Computed tomography and histology confirmed the latter diagnosis. En bloc resection of the nidus was followed by complete resolution of his symptoms. This case report emphasises the difficulties in diagnosis, particularly after an injury, and illustrates its effective treatment.     

Osteoid osteoma in the base of the coracoid process of the scapula. Excision by anterior approach: a case report.

Osteoid osteoma in the base of the coracoid process of the scapula is very rare and diagnosis and treatment often is delayed. A lesion in this atypical location may seem surgically unreachable. This report is of a case of osteoid osteoma in the base of coracoid process in a 14-year-old female. The lesion had been diagnosed as a nontumorous condition and overlooked for four years. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a nidus in the base of the coracoid process. The en bloc excision of the osteoid osteoma was managed by an anterior approach using an osteotomy of the coracoid process. A 12-month follow-up examination revealed no symptoms and computed tomography showed bone healing with no recurrence of the tumor.     

Synovitis of the wrist joint caused by an intraarticular perforation of an osteoid osteoma of the scaphoid

Uncommon location and atypical presentation of the osteoid osteomas of the scaphoid can pose a diagnostic challenge. Because of its intraarticular location, scaphoid osteoid osteoma can present with synovitis which is the more commonly reported presentation for other intraarticular locations like in hip and elbow and only rarely reported at the wrist. We report a case of perforation of the osteoid osteoma into the wrist joint, resulting in exuberant synovitis. The clinical significance of this report is to reinforce that synovitis can be a presentation of osteoid osteoma and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of monoarticular arthritis. Prolonged synovitis may cause damage to the other joint surfaces of the wrist and hence carpal osteoid osteoma should be considered for early surgical excision.     

Osteoid osteoma of the metacarpal bone presenting after an injury.

We present a case of osteoid osteoma of the right third metacarpal bone in a 23-year-old man. He had an apparent history of initial injury, followed by pain and swelling. He was initially treated for post-traumatic periostosteitis, so that the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was delayed. Computed tomography and histology confirmed the latter diagnosis. En bloc resection of the nidus was followed by complete resolution of his symptoms. This case report emphasises the difficulties in diagnosis, particularly after an injury, and illustrates its effective treatment.     

Osteoid osteoma of the hand

A review of all cases of osteoid osteoma of the hand seen by four hand surgeons over the last 10 years was performed. Seven cases were documented. Average follow-up was 28.3 months. Average age of the patients was 21.1 years. Five men and two women participated. Six lesions were in the right and one in the left upper extremity. Delay from presenting symptoms to definitive treatment averaged 13.5 months with a range of 7 to 30 months. Surgical excision was curative in all cases. We concluded that although a very unusual occurrence, osteoid osteoma of the hand should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain in the hand.     

Osteoid osteoma of the inferior articular process of L5 associated with a bilateral spondylosis: a case report

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who presented an osteoid osteoma of L5 associated with bilateral spondylolysis involving the same vertebra. Diagnostic bone scintigraphy is highly contributive in children presenting back pain. For us, it is the first intention exploration in patients with isthmic lysis seen on the plain x-ray. Symptomatic spondylolysis is the most frequent cause of back pain in children and is much more frequent than vertebral osteoid osteoma. The presence of isthmic lysis associated with focal uptake on the bone scintigraphy is highly suggestive of symptomatic spondylolysis. In this context, magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for both diagnostic purposes and prognostic assessment. The degree of bone and soft tissue edema in the present case was unusual for symptomatic spondylolysis. Complementary computed tomography finally established the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma of the posterior vertebral arch. To our knowledge, the association of osteoid osteoma with bilateral spondylolysis on the same vertebra has not been described elsewhere. In children, the diagnosis of symptomatic spondylolysis can only be established after ruling out other causes of back pain. The diagnosis of osteoid osteoma must be kept in mind.     

Arthroscopic removal of intra-articular osteoid osteoma in the knee: case report and review of the literature

Osteoid osteoma is a relatively common benign bone tumor first described by Jaffe [1]. It most frequently arises in the long bones and exhibits a characteristic X-ray appearance, that is, a small radiolucent zone surrounded by reactive circumferential sclerosis (nidus) [2, 3]. Nocturnal pain, which can be alleviated by aspirin, is one of the characteristic clinical manifestations of this bone tumor [4]. Although it is relatively rare, osteoid osteoma can also arise in the intra-articular regions, and we found 14 such cases arising in the knee joint in the literature [5–18]. Patients with intra-articular osteoid osteoma often present with joint pain, intracapsular effusion, restricted motion, and muscle atrophy in the affected limb, which can be mistaken for more common entities, such as traumatic or degenerative pathologies of the joint. Furthermore, X-ray examination often fails to show the characteristic nidus that is typically seen in extra-articular osteoid osteoma and therefore can result in a delayed diagnosis. We herein present a case of intra-articular osteoid osteoma arising in the knee joint, which was successfully treated by arthroscopy, and review the reported cases of intra-articular osteoid osteoma arising in the knee.     

Tetracycline fluorescence for the peroperative localization of osteoid osteoma of the triquetrum

Osteoid osteoma is infrequently encountered in the carpal bones. Its typical radiological features are not usually observed in this localization, which may result in delayed diagnosis. Since incomplete removal of the nidus may result in persistance or recurrence of the symptoms, other methods of locating the tumour during the resection should be used. We report a case of an osteoid osteoma of the triquetrum which, after incomplete initial resection and several revisions, developed instability of the carpus which required a limited intracarpal arthrodesis. A screw fragment left after implant extraction limited the imaging possibilities to study the persistent nidus. Intra-operative localization of the nidus with tetracycline dye and its visualization with ultraviolet light facilitated the complete removal.     

Vertebral osteoid osteoma

The early diagnosis of vertebral osteoid osteoma is frequently delayed due to the absence of radiographic changes. A bone scan is more helpful because it shows an increased uptake of isotope when plain radiographs still appear normal. The use of computed tomography will confirm the diagnosis, allow precise delineation of the lesion and enable planning of the correct operation.