Background:
Ataxia is diagnosed by typical features on examination suggestive of a cerebellar etiology and can invoke extensive diagnostic testing. Osteoid osteomas (OOs) are benign bone tumors of the lower limbs that occasionally present with focal neurological signs.
Case report:
A 3-year-old male presented with apparent progressive gait ataxia and non-specific leg pain. Initial imaging was unremarkable. However, 12 months later, a lesion was identified in the distal right femur, which was found to be an OO. The gait disorder and pain resolved after surgery.
Discussion:
This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing a gait disorder in young children.