Research Article: Intra- and Juxta-Articular Osteoid Osteoma Mimicking Arthritis: Case Series and Literature Review
Abstract:
Background: Intra- and juxta-articular osteoid osteomas are rare, representing less than 10% of all osteomas. Compared to the classic diaphyseal or metaphyseal site of long bones, they often have an atypical onset, a longest diagnostic delay, and frequent initial misdiagnoses, with pictures that can mimic inflammatory monoarthritis. We aimed to describe a case series, and to provide a literature review of this uncommon and misleading tumor location. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients referred to three pediatric rheumatology centers, with a final diagnosis of articular osteoid osteoma. A review of the literature was additionally conducted. Results: We included 10 patients with a mean age of 14 years. All patients with unusual sites (olecranon fossa, lumbar vertebra, distal phalanx of the toe, fibula) had a misdiagnosis, and cases with initial suspicion of monoarthritis had the longest diagnostic delay, up to 24 months. The literature review confirms the significant risk of misdiagnosis, and an average time from symptom onset to diagnosis ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 years. Conclusions: Articular osteoid osteoma may mimic arthritis, especially in adolescence. Knowledge of the atypical forms of presentation, and of the clinical and radiological pitfalls, reduces the risk of diagnostic error.
Introduction:
Osteoid osteoma (OO), a common benign bone tumor, was first recognized as a clinical entity by Jaffe in 1935 [1]. It represents approximately 10% of all benign skeletal lesions, and is most frequently seen in adolescents and young adults, affecting males three times more commonly than females [2,3]. The most frequent location is the diaphysis or metaphysis of the long bones, often the femur, but any other site may be involved [3]. The lesion is an active bone nidus within a highly vascularized stroma, surrounded…
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