Diagnostic Conundrum of an Osteocartilaginous Exostosis of the Patella: An “Ancient” Osteochondroma?

Abstract

The patella is an uncommon site for a tumor. This report details the incidental finding of an excrescence on the right patella identified in a cadaver during a gross anatomy course. Histological assessment revealed no periosteal surface, a very thin cartilage cap, minimal endochondral ossification, bone intermediate to more cartilage, and degenerative changes. The assessment remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that this incidental finding has served as an excellent interdisciplinary exercise for anatomists and pathologists and has benefited the education of undergraduate and graduate medical students. Accordingly, in addition to the gross pathology and histopathology, a workflow is presented. Support or Funding Information T. Walley Williams Summer Anatomy Research Fellowship; WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06]