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X-rays are almost always obtained as part of the initial evaluation of a bone problem.This x-ray examination showns an osteoid osteoma in one of the most common locations. The tumor is visible as a gray oval, measuring about 5 mm in size (arrow). It is surrounded by dense reactive bone. |
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CT: The tumor is almost always less than 1 cm in diameter, although the reactive bone formation may make it appear much larger. CT is probably best overall method to evaluate osteoid osteoma. If a good quality CT scan is done, MRI is not required. In this example, the partly calcified tumor nidus is visible on the surface of the femur, surrounded by a dense periosteal sclerotic reaction |
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MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging is very sensitive to the presence of edema (swelling) within bone marrow and soft tissuues, and joint effusion. These features can be so prominent that it may sometimes be difficult to identify the tumor itself. However, if the lesion is well seen, CT scan is probably not required |
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Radionuclide Scans: Virtually always show increased uptake of isotope. This is a good method to detect many types of bone lesions, but cannot be used to distiquish one type of lesion from another. |
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