Multiple Metaphyseal Fibrous Defects

A relatively common bone finding in the younger age group, nonosteogenic fibroma usually occurs as a solitary metaphyseal lesion eccentrically placed and abutting on the cortex of a long bone of a lower extremity. Presentation of the following case seems warranted by the multiplicity of defects as well as by the presence of one lesion in the upper extremity. These lesions are usually incidental findings and are considered benign developmental defects rather than true neoplasms. We prefer the term metaphyseal fibrous defect as used by Hatcher¹ and accepted by Cunningham and Ackerman.²

Report of a Case  A 13-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital for treatment of fractures of the right patella and carpal navicular. Roentgenograms at this time showed a bone lesion involving the right lower femoral shaft. The incidentally discovered lesion was asymptomatic and unrelated to the trauma. Radiographic bone survey demonstrated multiple (six) cyst-like defects