Osteoid Osteoma of the Metacarpal – Difficulties In the Diagnosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective − To present a rare case of osteoid osteoma of the metacarpal bone and to emphasize the importance of correlation of radiological analysis with anamnestic data and clinical findings.

Case Report − We reported the case of osteoid osteoma of the metacarpal bone in a 14-year old girl. The patient, a volleyball player, presented with pain in the left hand. At first, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieved the pain but over the time it became more intense and was accompanied with swelling. On the basis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the case was misdiagnosed as a status post-fracture of three metacarpal bones. After inappropriate treatment with physical therapy, the patient’s condition worsened, thus multiple laboratory tests and radiology imaging techniques were performed to achieve the right diagnosis. Diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was finally made by CTscan and appropriate treatment by surgical ablation was performed.

Conclusion − Osteoid osteoma rarely occurs in metacarpal bones. Physicians should be aware of the atypical clinical presentation of this benign lesion in the metacarpal bones.