Introduction:
Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor of bone that predominantly affects young age group. It can affect any bone, but lower extremities are more commonly involved more than the upper extremities and it rarely affects the scapular glenoid.
Presentation of case:
The present case is an 18-year-old female patient who suffered from chronic right forearm and shoulder nocturnal pain for 5 years, which was sometimes relieved by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake. Prior to referral to orthopedic clinic, she was diagnosed as a case of a regional pain syndrome, managed by medical treatment without significant improvement. The diagnosis of an inferior glenoid osteoid osteoma was established radiologically. The patient was managed successfully by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and the pain disappeared gradually after 2 weeks of the procedure.
Discussion:
The presence of lesions in unusual locations along with an atypical medical history could misinterpret and delay the diagnosis. Osteoid osteoma could be difficult to detect with plain radiographs; thus, advanced imaging is crucial if such lesion is suspected.
Conclusion:
The scapular glenoid osteoid osteoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of chronic shoulder pain especially if there is no response to initial medical treatment. Awareness of atypical presentations of scapular osteoid osteoma is required to avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment.