Definition
Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor of bone. It can occur in any part of the skeleton, but more often affects the vertebrae or long bones (in particular, tibia and femur).
The osteoid osteoma tends to affect young subjects, aged between 15 and 30 years.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Muscular atrophy and paralysis
- Bone pain
- Sore legs
- Backache
- Joint stiffness
- Bone Sclerosis
- Scoliosis
- Sweating
Further indications
The osteoid osteoma causes intense and continuous pain, located at the site of onset. The pain is accentuated at night, during physical activity and after taking substances that induce vasodilation, such as alcohol.
Pain is typically relieved by mild analgesics (in particular, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Furthermore, it can be associated with an increase in temperature and sweating in the area, which can also appear red.
If the osteoid osteoma affects the spinal column, it can cause reduced movement and scoliosis. Due to the reduced use of pain in the affected area, local atrophy of the muscles can also occur.
On radiographic examination, the osteoid osteoma appears as a small radiolucent area surrounded by an area of thickened and sclerotic bone, while technetium-99m bone scintigraphy can highlight an area of increased uptake at the neoplasm. The tumor lesion is generally small, so to distinguish it it may be useful to perform a computed tomography, possibly supported by a biopsy. The characteristic aspect is that of a small radiolucent area surrounded by a wider sclerotic area.
The treatment involves the removal of the tumor by percutaneous ablation with radiofrequencies and focused ultrasound. If, on the other hand, the osteoma is located near a nerve or the skin surface (eg spine, feet or hands), it is preferable to remove it surgically.
