Intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the distal humerus: a diagnostic challenge

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Mar 6:2014:bcr2013202943. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202943.

Abstract

Osteoid osteoma rarely presents in an intra-articular or juxta-articular location, leading to synovitis and flexion deformity, which can easily mislead the diagnosis. We present a case of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the distal humerus in a 19-year-old woman with pain and flexion deformity of the elbow. Although radiographs were normal, a nidus was demonstrated on CT scan. Appropriate surgical treatment provided relief to the patient and the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. Thus, an intra-articular osteoid osteoma may be mistaken for more common causes of synovitis unless there is an index of suspicion and appropriate imaging is undertaken.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Humerus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humerus / surgery
  • Osteoma, Osteoid / diagnosis
  • Osteoma, Osteoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteoma, Osteoid / surgery
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult