Arthroscopic removal of an osteoid osteoma at the talar neck

The case of a 14-year-old girl with osteoid osteoma of the talar neck that localized subperiostaly with a 1-year history of persistent ankle pain is presented. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical appearance, radiography, technetium-99m diphosphonate scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Subsequently, she underwent arthroscopic excision of the lesion using a motorized burr and curette. After the intervention, there was prompt relief of symptoms and no recurrence during a follow-up period of 22 months. However, pathological study of the arthroscopic shavings failed to confirm the preoperative diagnosis. We concluded that the arthroscopic excision of an osteoid osteoma in an accessible location on the talar neck is an appropriate surgical intervention, but it should be done by using nonmotorized instruments for better pathological examination of the lesion.