ARTICLE TYPE : REVIEW ARTICLE
Published on : 31 Jul 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders
| WebLog J Musculoskelet Disord
| WJMD
Journal ISSN: 3071-4052
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjmd.2026.g3101
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
Osteoid Osteoma of the Proximal Humerus Presenting as Persistent Shoulder Pain in an Adolescent: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
2Department of Orthopaedics, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (ASRAM), Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
3Department of Pathology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract
Background: Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteoblastic neoplasm accounting for approximately 10–12% of benign bone tumors. It commonly affects the femur and tibia in adolescents and young adults. Proximal humeral involvement is uncommon and may mimic more prevalent causes of shoulder pain, resulting in delayed diagnosis.
Case Presentation: A 17-year-old male presented with a six-month history of persistent right upper arm pain that was more pronounced at night and consistently relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Physical examination revealed localized tenderness over the proximal humerus with mild restriction of shoulder movement secondary to pain. Plain radiographs demonstrated a small intracortical radiolucent lesion surrounded by reactive sclerosis. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed a characteristic nidus with central mineralization and surrounding cortical thickening. The patient underwent open excision and extended curettage. Histopathological examination demonstrated interlacing trabeculae of woven bone lined by osteoblasts within a highly vascular stroma, confirming osteoid osteoma. Complete pain relief was achieved immediately after surgery, and no recurrence was observed at six months follow-up.
Conclusion: Although uncommon, osteoid osteoma of the proximal humerus should be considered in adolescents presenting with persistent nocturnal shoulder or upper arm pain relieved by NSAIDs. CT remains the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis. Complete surgical excision continues to provide excellent outcomes, particularly in centres where percutaneous ablation techniques are unavailable.
Keywords: Osteoid Osteoma; Proximal Humerus; Benign Bone Tumour; Shoulder Pain; Curettage; Adolescent
Citation
Gaurav P, Gopalakrishna SV, Rohit I, Sravya Teja P, Ramya Sindhura T. Osteoid Osteoma of the Proximal Humerus Presenting as Persistent Shoulder Pain in an Adolescent: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature. WebLog J Musculoskelet Disord. wjmd.2026.g3101. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21845383