gms | German Medical Science

Objectives/Interrogation: Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor composed of osteoid and atypical bone. The most commonly known sites of following tumor are long tubular bones, especially femur and tibia. Yet, development of osteoid osteoma in the foot is unusual, and there aren't much reported literatures of metatarsal osteoid osteoma.

Methods: A fourteen-year-old boy was presented in our outpatient clinic with five months history of painful swelling over the dorsal aspect of the left forefoot. Radiographic evaluation, including anteroposterior and oblique views of the foot, demonstrated a small radiolucent area in mid-diaphysis area of the third metatarsal bone, surrounded by reactive sclerosis.

Axial computed tomography of the third metatarsal bone showed enlarged metatarsal containing low attenuation nidus with intrinsic calcification and surrounding sclerosis.

As for surgical intervention, longitudinal incision on the lateral side of the third metatarsal was used for exposure. With guidance of K-wire under C-arm image intensifiers, and the lesion and surrounding bone were surgically excised using rongeur to match the contour of the original metatarsal.

Results and Conclusions: Osteoid osteoma developed in metatarsal bone is relatively rare. A detailed clinical history with a high index suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis. For immediate and permanent remission of symptoms without recurrence, adequate surgical excision of the tumor lesion is essential.