Hallux Osteoid Osteoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

The management of symptomatic bony digital lesions is by no means a simple task or an insignificant undertaking. While malignant lesions are routinely managed by proximal transverse resection [3] (often a relatively simple procedure) – intending to limit remote spread and mortality – management of symptomatic benign lesions can pose great clinical challenges. Specifically considering osteoid osteomas, given anatomic barriers, the inability to safely offer modern RF ablation to digital extremities steers treating clinicians towards either aggressive (and likely prolonged) symptomatic management or consideration for surgical treatment [4]. Poor tolerance and efficacy limit the former in many instances [1, 5]. While amputation can seem an ‘easy’ option, the loss of a hand digit or (especially) a border digit of the foot can have major functional ramifications [6]. Driven by ever-increasing societal expectations of enduring function [7], and a general reluctance to take up digital prosthetics [8], patients continually push us to consider local reconstructive options. These are often no mean feat. Equally, from a patient perspective, the cosmetic impact of surgical management weighs heavily [9].