Diaphyseal sclerotic osteosarcoma presenting as a pathological fracture


Published online: Aug 27 2008

Ramesh K. Sen, Lokesh A. Veerappa, Rakesh K. Vasishta, Vivek Gupta

From the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

Abstract

A diaphyseal, intramedullary, highly sclerotic lesion presenting as a pathological fracture, without a periosteal reaction or an appreciable soft tissue component on radiographs was investigated. A discrepancy between the MRI and histopathological findings led to marginal excision of the lesion only to reveal later that it was a sclerotic variety of osteosarcoma. Such a presentation has not been reported in literature as per our knowledge. We forfeited the opportunity of limb salvage by doing initial marginal excision and fixation. In such circumstances, a representative biopsy is critical and repeat biopsy is warranted before going for definitive management.