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Percutaneous local ablation of osteoid osteoma has largely replaced surgery, except in the small bones of the hands and feet. The objective of this study was to describe the technical specificities and results of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous laser photocoagulation in 15 patients with osteoid osteomas of the hands and feet. We retrospectively examined the medical charts of the 15 patients who were treated with CT-guided percutaneous laser photocoagulation therapy at our institution between 1994 and 2004. The 15 patients had a mean age of 24.33 years. None of them had received any prior surgical or percutaneous treatment for the osteoid osteoma. The follow-up period was 24 to 96 months (mean, 49.93). The pain resolved completely within 1 week. Fourteen patients remained symptom-free throughout the follow-up period; the remaining patient experienced a recurrence of pain after 24 months, underwent a second laser photocoagulation procedure, and was symptom-free at last follow-up 45 months later. No adverse events related to the procedure or to the location of the tumor in the hand or the foot were recorded. CT-guided percutaneous laser photocoagulation is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of osteoid osteomas of the hands and feet.

Humeral head chondrolysis and osteonecrosis of the glenoid have been reported; however, there is no report to date about humeral head osteonecrosis following arthroscopic shoulder procedure. We report a case of osteonecrosis of the humeral head following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair what we believe is probably secondary to disruption of its blood supply after placement of multiple metallic suture anchors. The surgical records were also reviewed in an attempt to identify the cause of the humeral head osteonecrosis.

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We describe an operation to relieve compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the elbow. Between 1987 and 1997 we operated on seven patients, one with bilateral compression. In two the compression was associated with injury to biceps. A longitudinal or a transverse incision was carried out and the nerve was released from the deep fascia. Partial excision of the biceps aponeurosis was undertaken in the patients who did not have injury to biceps; some additional procedures were required for those patients with injuries. All patients had symptomatic relief.

BackgroundCompression of the median nerve by a tumour in the elbow and forearm region is rare. We present a case of neuropathy of the median nerve secondary to compression by giant lipoma in the proximal forearm.Case presentationA 46-year-old man presented with a six month history of gradually worsening numbness and paresthesia on the palmar aspect of the left thumb and thenar eminence. Clinical examination reveals a hypoaesthesia in the median nerve area of the left index and thumb compared to the contralateral side. Electromyography showed prolonged sensory latency in the distribution of the median nerve corresponding to compression in the region of the pronator teres (pronator syndrome). Radiological investigations were initially reported as normal. Conservative treatment for one month did not result in any improvement. Surgical exploration was performed and a large intermuscular lipoma enveloped the median nerve was found. A complete excision of the tumour was performed. Postoperative revaluation the X-ray of the elbow was seen to demonstrate a well-circumscribed mass in the anterior aspect of the proximal forearm. At follow-up, 14 months after surgery, the patient noted complete return of the sensation and resolution of the paresthesia.ConclusionIn case of atypical findings or non frequent localization of nerve compression, clinically interpreted as an idiopathic compression, it is recommended to make a pre-operative complementary Ultrasound or MRI study.

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Giant-cell tumors of the tendon sheath correspond to a localized form of pigmented villonodular synovitis. GCTTS typically occur in the hand where they represent the second most common type of soft tissue tumors after synovial ganglions. The etiology of giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath is unknown. Pathogenetic theories have included inflammatory process, trauma, immune mechanisms, neoplasia. Giant cell tumors usually present as a solitary and firm slowgrowing nodular lesion, which affects the volar aspect of the hand. Multifocal lesions are rarely described in the literature and commonly involve the same finger or the volar aspect of different fingers. We report a rare case of three separate GCT occurring on both aspects of the hand thus raising the question of their etiology.