Osteoid osteoma
Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone-forming tumor that does not turn malignant. The tumor can occur in any bone but usually appears in a person's legs, especially the femur, during childhood or young adulthood.
Orthopaedic oncologists usually obtain X-rays to evaluate patients with bone problems such as a tumor. Surgery is not normally recommended for osteoid osteoma tumors because they can disappear by themselves over time. Physicians recommend the use of nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help manage the pain. If the pain is severe and persistent, then intervention may be warranted.
Surgery may be considered if:
Professor and Chief of Division of Orthopaedic Oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine
Dr. Scarborough has been a part of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabiliation since 1991.
He attended medical school at the University of Florida and completed his internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed his fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital in 1991.
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Florida College of Medicine
Dr. Gibbs graduated from medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1989. He was part of the University of Colorado faculty from 1997 until he came to UF in 2002.
He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Colorado and his orthopaedic oncology fellowship at the University of Chicago.
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine
Dr. Vlasak graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1988.
He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed fellowships at UF and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
- The pain interferes with the patient's daily activities
- The tumor is within the joint
- The tumor will affect the growing bones of a child
- The tumor affects the spine curvature of a child
- The patient develops gastrointestinal problems as a result of pain medications