Atypical Presentation of Periosteal Chondroma of the Talus in a 9-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Periosteal chondromas are rare, slow-growing, benign cartilaginous tumors arising from the cortical surface of the bone, beneath the periosteal membrane. Typically affect young males, the most common site being the proximal humerus. There have been no reported cases of periosteal chondroma of the talus in the literature. Case Report: A 9-year-old Indian boy presented with a 1.5-year history of atraumatic right ankle pain and swelling, exacerbated by walking, with limited dorsiflexion. Physical examination revealed a firm, painless swelling on the anterior ankle’s talar region, accompanied by equinus deformity. Radiography displayed osseous masses on the anterior talus. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated well-defined osseous growths originating from the talus’s anterior aspect, likely osteochondromas, with adjacent osseous fragments in the tibiotalar joint, suggestive of loose bodies, supporting a clinical diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis. Surgical excision revealed whitish, hard, irregular tissue, confirmed as periosteal chondroma on histopathology. After 6 months, the patient is pain-free with unrestricted movement and no clinical or radiological signs of recurrence. Conclusion: This case report presents a unique instance of previously unreported talus periosteal chondroma, adding novelty to medical literature. It details the diagnostic challenges and its intricacies. It provides a comprehensive overview of clinical presentation, imaging and histopathological findings, differentials and provisional diagnosis, surgical approach, and post-operative outcomes. The successful surgical management, along with the specific details of the surgical procedure (anteromedial approach, excision, and curettage), adds practical insights for orthopedic surgeons and contributes to the existing knowledge on treatment strategies for talus periosteal chondroma. This report will serve as an excellent educational resource. Keywords: Periosteal chondroma, talus, pediatric patient, surgical management, rare case report.