Osteochondroma of the pisiform: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Osteochondroma, a benign bone tumour, is commonly seen in the metaphyseal region of long bones. It is not so common in short bones and occurs rarely in carpals. The literature involving an osteochondroma of pisiform is scarce.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a 12-year-old male Asian child with a gradually progressive, bony, hard swelling on the volar aspect of the right wrist, which, on investigation, was suggestive of a solitary osteochondroma of the pisiform and its management.

CONCLUSION

The current report describes a child with a wrist swelling which on evaluation was found to be an osteochondroma of the pisiform, which is seldom described in the literature, and managed by excision biopsy. Though osteochondromas of the carpal bones are rare they should be included in the differential of any wrist swelling with the symptom complex varying from pressure effects to surrounding soft tissues and nerves, attritional tendon ruptures, carpal instabilities and arthritis.

Keywords: Osteochondroma; Exostosis; Carpals; Pisiform; Wrist; Excision biopsy; Case report

Core Tip: Carpal osteochondromas occur rarely, and their symptom complex varies from the osteochondroma occurring elsewhere. They can cause cosmetic concerns, attritional tendon ruptures, pressure effects on nerves, carpal instabilities, and wrist arthritis. They should be included in the differential of any wrist swelling. The treatment of choice for carpal osteochondroma is excision biopsy and repair of tendons and ligaments if required.