Fibrous cortical defect

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Twisted ankle at soccer. Slight swelling.

Patient Data

Age: Child.
Gender: Male
x-ray

Two views of the ankle demonstrate an incidental well circumscribed lucency in the diametaphyseal region of the distal tibia. It has a sharply defined sclerotic border, no periosteal reaction and no matrix mineralization. 

Distribution of FCD

Diagram

Distribution of non-ossifying fibromas (NOF) and fibrous cortical defects (FCD). Layout and distribution: Frank Gaillard 2009, Line drawing of skeleton: Patrick Lynch 2006, Creative Common NC-SA-BY

Case Discussion

This case illustrates the characteristic appearance and location of a fibrous cortical defect. The main importance of this entity is to recognize it and not confuse it with a more serious lesion. 

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