osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist: a report of 25 cases

background : the hand and wrist bones are infrequent sites for osteoid osteoma, and its diagnosis can be difficult. this paper reports 25 cases of osteoid osteoma in the hand and wrist.   methods : records of the 25 patients who had pathological conditions of osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist were reviewed and analyzed.   results : twenty-five cases of osteoid osteoma of the hand and wrist were treated in 20 years period. the average age was 25.2±7.6 years (range, 16 to 46 years) with men to women and right to left side ratio of 5.25 and 4 respectively. the most common site was in the proximal phalanx (ten cases). the diagnosis was made using x-rays, three- phase technetium bone scans, ct, and mri and all the diagnoses were confirmed by histological examination. the average time from the onset of symptom to successful treatment was 16.3±11.1 months, and at a mean follow-up of 36.6±46.9 mouths. five recurrences of disease took place in which three of them were operated elsewhere. all five patients subsequently were treated and cured by reoperation.   conclusion : osteoid osteoma is relatively rare lesions in the hand and wrist that can be a persistent source of hand and wrist pain. patients under age of 40 who have otherwise unexplained pain should be evaluated.