Telangiectatic osteosarcoma of the patella

Orthopedics. 2008 Aug;31(8):808.

Abstract

Although osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone, it has only been reported to arise from the patella in a handful of cases. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma accounts for <5% of all osteosarcomas, and it is distinguished histologically by spaces, often blood filled, separated by septa containing highly malignant cells and radiographically by a predominately lytic and/or expansile component. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma can be radiologically confused with aneurysmal bone cyst or giant cell tumor. A 22-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with increasing pain, swelling, and limited flexion of the right knee after failing physical therapy for anterior knee pain. Standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs demonstrated a diffuse destructive process involving the majority of the patella (including loss of the inferior patellar cortex) and a lytic lesion of the proximal tibia. Apparent osteoid matrix was visible in the soft tissue extension along the inferior pole of the patella. A computed tomography scan of the chest showed 2 pulmonary nodules consistent with metastatic disease. Evaluation of core needle biopsy showed osteosarcoma with telangiectatic features. Given that the majority of the tumor involved the patella/extensor mechanism, it was clear that the tumor originated in the patella. This case presents the first published report of a telangiectatic osteosarcoma arising from the patella.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteosarcoma / complications
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery*
  • Patella / pathology*
  • Patella / surgery*
  • Telangiectasis / complications
  • Telangiectasis / pathology*
  • Telangiectasis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult