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Osteosarcoma of the patella. A case report
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|April 1, 1993
Summary
A rare case of primary chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the patella presented initially as knee pain and swelling. The aggressive bone tumor metastasized to the lungs, leading to rapid respiratory failure and death.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- A 34-year-old woman presented with left patellar pain and swelling.
- Initial roentgenograms showed minimal patellar destruction, delaying bone tumor suspicion.
Observation:
- Clinical course complicated by respiratory disorder and pulmonary metastatic foci.
- Aspiration cytology of lung mass raised suspicion for bone tumor.
- Left patellectomy performed for pain relief and diagnosis.
Findings:
- Histologic examination revealed atypical spindle to polygonal cells.
- Neoplastic cartilaginous tissue predominantly occupied the patellar marrow space.
- Pathologic diagnosis: primary chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the patella.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare bone tumors in differential diagnosis, even with subtle initial radiographic findings.
- Underscores the aggressive nature and rapid progression of chondroblastic osteosarcoma.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic role of aspiration cytology in suspected metastatic disease.