Non-ossifying fibroma of the proximal tibia mimicking chronic osteomyelitis in a child.
Jitendra Kumar, Amit Kumar, Mainak Roy et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A teenage boy presented with progressive pain and swelling in the anterior left upper leg, initially suspected to be chronic osteomyelitis. Radiographs showed a well-demarcated lytic lesion in the proximal tibia, reinforcing the infection hypothesis. However, curettage and histopathology confirmed a benign non-ossifying fibroma. The patient underwent surgical debridement and recovered well with supportive care.
What made this case unusual
The case illustrates how non-ossifying fibroma can mimic chronic osteomyelitis both clinically and radiographically, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider non-ossifying fibroma in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions in children, especially when presenting with features suggestive of infection.
Why it matters
This case emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing bone lesions to avoid mismanagement and ensure appropriate treatment.