OSTEOID-OSTEOMA PRODUCING PREMATURE FUSION 121

Physical examination revealed tenderness to palpation in the distal phalanx of the big toe. There was no increased warmth, hypertrophy of the nail bed, or increased sweating. The motion of the toe was normal. There was some enlargement of the toe as compared with the opposite toe. Roentgenograms made on February 22, 1973, were interpreted as being within normal limits, although in retrospect a small nidus was visible (Fig. 1). Roentgenograms made on September 14, 1973, revealed a definite nidus and closure of the epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the big toe (Fig. 2). Laboratory studies were within normal limits. An en bloc excision of the lesion was performed on October 12, 1973. The pathological diagnosis was osteoid-osteoma (Fig. 3). The patient had complete relief of pain. Discussion The findings in this case are typical of an osteoid-osteoma in that the patient had the typica