Osteoid osteoma of the elbow in children: a report of three cases, and a review of the literature

Although osteoid osteoma is a relatively common lesion, it is rarely found at the elbow. We report three cases of osteoid osteoma of the olecranon fossa in patients under the age of 15 years. Diagnosis was delayed because of nonspecific clinical and radiological features. The three patients suffered from synovitis due to flexion contracture while at the same time prosupination remained normal. Only one patient complained of specific nocturnal pain. All cases had a latency between the onset of symptoms and the appearance of radiological signs. Open surgical excision of the nidus resulted in relief of pain in all cases and motion recovery in two cases. Diagnostic difficulties and treatment options are discussed.