Osteoid osteoma of the base of the coracoid process - A case report

Osteoid osteomas (OO) are small, well-defined, benign bone tumors of the young that are commonly found in long bones. In rare circumstances, when present elsewhere, they can mimic the symptoms of other pathologies pertaining to that area.

We present such case in which an "OO" of the coracoid process led to a 2-year delay in diagnosis and management of a young male due to the presenting symptoms resembling those of other shoulder pathologies. Ultimately, the use of advanced imaging modalities proved to be useful in detecting the "OO", which was consequently arthroscopically excised.

Appropriate imaging modalities such as CT or MRI often visualize the characteristic nidus more clearly as opposed to an X-ray and should therefore be used early when conservative management of shoulder pain has not been proven to be useful.

A long history of shoulder pain that is not responsive to conservative management in young patients should raise the suspicion of an "OO", and physicians should be encouraged to use early advanced imaging modalities in order to confirm it.