Osteoid Osteoma of the Distal Phalanx of Little Finger

Although osteoid osteomas are relatively common lesion, sites such as distal phalanx are still rarely observed. These lesions present with characteristic nocturnal pain due to prostaglandins and may also be associated with clubbing. Diagnosis of these lesions at uncommon sites becomes tricky and 85% are misdiagnosed.

A 18-year-old patient presented with the left distal phalanx of little finger clubbing and nocturnal pain (visual analogue scale [VAS] score: 8). After clinical workup and investigation to rule out infective and other causes, the patient was posted for excision of the lesion with curettage. Post-surgery outcome showed reduced pain (2 months post-operative VAS score: 1) and good clinical results.

Although osteoid osteoma of distal phalanx is a rare entity and difficult to diagnosed. Complete excision of lesion shows promising results both in terms of reduction of pain and functionally.