Nonossifying Fibroma of Bone; Successive Lesions in the Same Tibial Metaphysis

One possible explanation of nonossifying fibroma2 of bone is that it represents a growth disturbance rather than a true neoplasm (1–3). The case reported here is believed to support this view. J. W., female, age 7 years, was first seen on Feb. 1, 1954. On Jan. 29, she had fallen while roller skating. Subsequent to this, she complained of pain in the left leg and was unable to walk. Examination revealed ecchymosis, tenderness, and swelling over the distal end of the left tibia. Radiographs revealed an infraction of the lateral tibial cortex through an oval, loculated area of radiotranslucency (Fig. 1). Skeletal survey revealed no other lesions. The child was treated with a long leg cast until March 1, 1954. On that date, an excisional biopsy and homogeneous bone graft were done. At the time of operation, it was found that the distal third of the tibial cortex was thinned and that the area of radiotranslucency contained a grumous, yellowish material. This was reported by the pathologist as nonossifying fibr...