Osteoid osteoma in a young athlete - a case report from the perspective of a primary health care pediatrician

Introduction. Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteoblastic tumor, usually 1.5 - 2 cm in diameter, characterized by a well demarcated central area (osteoid nidus) surrounded by a sclerotic bone. It accounts for 5% of all primary bone tumors and most often affects the femur and tibia. The tumor is mostly seen in the second and third decades of life, more often in males, and the typical symptom is pain that worsens at night and responds well to analgesics. Case Report. We present a case of a young athlete, 11 years of age, who presented with characteristic symptoms and localization, as well as a typical radiographic finding. The timely action of a primary health care pediatrician and radiography reduced the time to definitive diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment was provided. The boy gradually started resuming his sports activities six months after the beginning of symptoms and 2.5 months after the surgery. Conclusion. In differential diagnosis of chronic leg pain in patients under the age of 18 years, primary health care pediatricians rely on medical history and physical examination, whereas after that plain radiography of the painful area should be considered. If the nidus is clearly seen in the X-ray, the possibility of diagnosing an osteoid osteoma increases, and timely and adequate treatment are provided.