Unusual manifestation of an osteoid osteoma of the capitate

A case of osteoid osteoma of the capitate in a 29-year-old male is reported. The patient suffered from unspecific clinical findings and a 3-year history of uncharacteristic wrist pain. Conventional radiographs of the wrist revealed a circumscribed sclerosis in the proximal part of the capitate bone beside a diffuse demineralisation of the carpal bones. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a circumscribed, tumorous lesion with marked enhancement after IV administration of contrast agent and a highly calcified nidus, which was sharply demarcated by a small rim of granulation tissue from the surrounding spongious bone. Based on MRI findings, the diagnosis of an osteoid osteoma was established and confirmed after operation and histologic analysis. Received: 17 December 1997; Revision received: 30 September 1998; Accepted: 7 October 1998