Osteoid osteoma mimicking tuberculosis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis – a case report

Abstract

Osteoid osteoma is a common benign bone tumor. The classic presentation includes nocturnal pain that responds well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Osteoid osteoma can mimic many conditions, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, infection, malignant neoplasm, and post-traumatic condition. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl with a months-long history of pain with limited mobility of the left hip joint. The patient was subject to several incorrect diagnoses followed by incorrect treatment pathways. Initially, a post-traumatic condition was diagnosed, then latent tuberculosis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Numerous hospitalizations, laboratory and imaging studies, and inappropriate treatment delayed the diagnosis and appropriate management by 2 years. Ultimately, a CT scan of the hip joints enabled the correct diagnosis to be made. Thermal ablation with intraoperative 3D navigation was utilized to successfully treat the lesion.