Osteoid osteoma as an unusual cause of wrist pain – A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Wrist pain is very common and there are several causes for this condition. It is extremely important to establish an accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of a young man who presented to us with wrist pain of insidious onset. He had previous (ganglion) excision from the same wrist. Clinically there was tenderness in the base of second metacarpal with no swelling. The radiograph and MRI scan were suggestive of Brodie's abscess. But surgical exploration and subsequent histopathology showed evidence of osteoid osteoma. The patient had full resolution of symptoms after 3 months of surgery. DISCUSSION: Osteoid osteoma of the wrist bones is rare. They usually present with atypical pain. The diagnosis of osteoid osteoma is challenging and often missed. A high index of suspicion and appropriate investigations are essential in the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma should be considered in case of wrist pain of unknown aetiology with cystic lesions in the carpal or metacarpal bones.