Surgical Management of Snapping Quadriceps Caused by Distal Femur Osteochondroma: A Case Report.

Introduction: Osteochondromas, common benign bone tumors, can lead to complications such as snapping quadriceps when located near joints such as the knee. This case report discusses a rare instance of a distal femur osteochondroma causing a snapping sensation during knee movement. The pathogenesis involves the tumor altering the normal mechanics of the quadriceps tendon, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic approach including magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic ultrasound.

Case report: We report a 37-year-old male who presented with a 6-month history of progressive pain, swelling, and a snapping sensation in the right knee, which was confirmed as a pedunculated osteochondroma with a cartilage cap <2 cm in thickness with appropriate investigations. Due to failed conservative management, the surgical resection through the Swashbuckler approach was performed.

Conclusion: The case emphasizes the importance of precise diagnostic imaging and tailored surgical intervention in managing uncommon mechanical complications of osteochondromas.