Chondroblastoma of the rib. A case report and review of the literature

Chondroblastoma, a rare bone tumor usually found in the epiphyseal region of long bones, appeared in the rib of a 49-year-old man. Review of the literature reveals that the most common locations for this tumor are the knee and proximal humerus. The most common age group is the second decade. Eighteen cases of chondroblastoma of the rib have been reported in the literature; the patients were older than typical patients with epiphyseal chondroblastoma and had an excellent prognosis after resection of the tumor.     

Percutaneous biopsy of the cervical spine using CT guidance

CT was used during the percutaneous needle biopsies of seven cervical spine lesions. Four were primary bone tumors, and there was one case each of metastasis, fibrous dysplasia, and infection. Two of the lesions were located in the lateral masses of C1 and one was in the pedicle of C2. The other four were in the lower cervical spine (C4-C6). Accurate diagnosis was obtained on the first attempt in six (86%) of seven cases. No complications were encountered. This experience suggests that needle biopsy performed with CT guidance is both safe and effective.     

Malignancy supervening on an intramedullary nail.

A primary, malignant, fibrous histiocytoma of bone occurring in association with a Hansen Street intramedullary nail occurred in a 39-year-old man. The physical and chemical characteristics of materials, in relation to the generation of secondary neoplasia are reviewed, but the problem of coincidence is difficult to exclude.     

Subtalar arthralgia caused by juxtaarticular osteoid osteoma

Juxtaarticular osteoid osteomas in the ankle are frequently misdiagnosed because their symptoms mimic arthritis and may precede roentgenographic findings. In addition, these tumors are rare compared to arthritis and other sources of ankle pain. Four cases of osteoid osteoma of the talus or calcaneus are reported, indicating some of the problems encountered with their identification, and suggestions are made for appropriate investigations to aid in the early and correct diagnosis. The use of plain tomograms, thin-section computed tomograms, and radionuclide scans aid an early and correct diagnosis. Arthroscopy and arthrotomy are often inappropriate.     

Giant bone island. Computed tomography findings

Although bone island is a well-known benign skeletal entity, it may stimulate an aggressive bone forming neoplasm when it is large. Spiculated margin intermingling with thickened trabeculae together with the lack of bone destruction and soft tissue mass on computed tomography scan is diagnostic.