Intramedullary Osteosclerosis of the Tibia: A Rare Cause of Osteosclerosis to Keep an Eye On

Cureus. 2023 Mar 29;15(3):e36873. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36873. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Intramedullary osteosclerosis (IMOS) is a rare process of intramedullary bone formation in one or more bones in the lower limb. It arises in adulthood, its etiology is unknown, and it is diagnosed by exclusion. We present a case of a 26-year-old female who presented with three-week history of right tibial pain provoked by prolonged standing. Imaging revealed sclerotic cortical thickening, in addition to sclerosis at the mid-tibial segment. Intramedullary osteosclerosis is an uncommon cause of leg pain. The literature revealed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be of use to help ease the pain.

Keywords: imaging; musculoskeletal radiology; orthopedics; osteosclerosis; tibia sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports