Osteoid osteoma at the base of the second metatarsal bone: case report

Summary The authors report an unusual case of osteoid osteoma located at the base of the second metatarsal bone in a young man. After discussing the literature they emphasize the usefulness of the triphasic bone scan and of the CT scan in the diagnosis and the location of osteoid osteoma, in confirming the clinical suspicion of this type of benign tumour. The surgical removal of this tumour is mandatory in the treatment of osteoid osteoma, so the surgeon must exactly know the location of the nidus and the extension of the periosteal reaction.