Arthroscopic excision of solitary intra-articular osteochondroma of the knee

Abstract

Osteochondroma is the most common benign tumor of the growing bone commonly involving the knee joint region. It often involves the metaphysis of the long bone, occurring extra-articularly. In spite of this, solitary intra-articular osteochondroma has rarely been reported in the literature. A 41-year-old man presented with diffuse pain and discomfort of the left knee for over 2 months. Clinical examination revealed a bony prominence involving the supero-lateral aspect of the left distal femur. Diagnostic evaluation involved radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and a diagnostic arthroscopy, which showed features of an intra-articular osteochondroma in the left distal femur. Arthroscopic excision of the solitary intra-articular osteochondroma resulted in a complete relief of symptoms and return to full competitive activities. No recurrence of symptoms occurred during the one year of follow-up. Solitary intra-articular osteochondroma of the knee is an unusual case, which can be successfully managed with arthroscopy.