Osteochondroma of the talar neck

Abstract

Osteochondroma is the commonest benign bone tumor that occurs most commonly in the metaphysis of long bones such as the proximal humerus, proximal tibia, distal femur. It is usually asymptomatic, However it may get painful and interfere with normal walking or sporting activities when it enlarges or when it impinges on the surrounding structures. Osteochondroma is uncommon around the foot and ankle, and very rare in the talus. We describe a painful osteochondroma arising from the talar neck in a 9-year-old boy with a mass effect, causing impingement and interfering with his daily activities. Part of the osteochondroma was broken, with intact pedicle, it was successfully treated by surgical resection and histopathological studies confirmed that it was a benign osteochondroma. Although rare in the foot, osteochondroma should be put as a differential diagnosis of a painful mass around the ankle. well planned thorough surgical resection is the treatment of choice for a painful intra articular lesion like talar osteochondroma and could render the patient symptom free with a normal joint function. Keywords: Osteochondroma, Ankle, Talus, Resection.