Chondromyxoid Fibroma of the Metatarsal Head: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Chondromyxoid Fibroma (CMF) is an uncommon non malignant cartilage tumour with a greater predilection for the legs, with about a quarter of cases involving the metatarsals. It accounts for less than 0.5% of all bone tumours and mostly occurs in patients aged 10 to 30 years old. Patients typically present with complaints of pain and swelling in the affected region. Radiologically, a lytic lesion with well-defined margins is observed in the metaphysis. The present case is about an 11-year-old male who presented to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department (OPD) with a history of pain and swelling over his left foot. Upon examination, a discrete swelling was noted over the lateral aspect of the foot, extending from the head to the shaft of the 4th metatarsal. Upon palpation, the swelling was found to be tender and firm in consistency, accompanied by restricted foot movement. Initially, a giant cell tumour of the 4th metatarsal bone in the left foot was suspected based on radiography. However, histopathological examination led to the diagnosis of CMF. The lesion was curetted, and a below-knee Plaster of Paris (POP) was applied for one month. No recurrence of the lesion has been observed after five months of follow-up.