Question

Identify the condition as shown:

• A. Brodie abscess
• B. Osteoid osteoma
• C. Intracortical hemangioma
• D. Chondromyxoid fibroma

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

A Brodie abscess is a form of subacute osteomyelitis characterized by a localized, often circular, abscess cavity typically found in the metaphysis of long bones. Key features that distinguish it include:

• Location: Most commonly found in the metaphyses of long bones such as the tibia and femur.
• Radiographic Appearance: On X-rays, it often appears as an oval radiolucent area with well-defined sclerotic borders.
• Symptoms: Patients may present with mild, chronic pain and swelling without systemic symptoms of infection.
• Histology: Microscopically, it presents with granulation tissue and a surrounding fibrous capsule.

Given these characteristics, Brodie abscess can be differentiated from:

• Osteoid osteoma: Known for its small size, it results in significant night pain relieved by NSAIDs and shows a central radiolucent nidus with surrounding sclerosis on imaging.
• Intracortical hemangioma: Rare and usually asymptomatic; it appears as a radiolucent lesion within the cortical bone with vertical striations.
• Chondromyxoid fibroma: A rare benign tumor that typically presents as an eccentric, lytic lesion with well-defined margins and sometimes septations on radiographs.

From the options, the correct identification for the condition described and illustrated is unequivocally a Brodie abscess.