Desmoplastic Fibroma in the Distal Humerus of a 14-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2019 Dec;9(4):e0155. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.18.00155.

Abstract

Case: We present the case of a 14-year-old male who presented with a pathologic elbow fracture. Imaging demonstrated a lytic distal humerus metaphyseal lesion with a soap bubble appearance. After fracture healing, frozen sections obtained at open biopsy suggested fibrous tissue; thus, curettage and bone grafting was performed. Pathology confirmed desmoplastic fibroma. The patient experienced a recurrence 18 months later and had repeat curettage and allograft strutting. He had no evidence of re-recurrence 2 years after the second surgery.

Conclusions: Desmoplastic fibroma may mimic the presentation of many bone lesions. Recurrence is common despite curettage and bone grafting. This patient performed well without wide resection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Bone Transplantation / methods
  • Curettage / methods
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Fibroma, Desmoplastic / complications
  • Fibroma, Desmoplastic / surgery*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Humerus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / etiology