An Unusual Case of Patellar Osteochondroma in an Elderly Woman - Rare Site and Age of Presentation

Sep 29, 2026

Osteochondroma is typically a benign bone tumor seen in younger individuals, but it is rarely identified in older adults. This case report describes a 65-year-old woman with an atypical osteochondroma in the infrapatellar region of the right knee, presenting with a firm, non-tender mass, mild effusion, and restricted range of motion. Imaging confirmed the lesion without malignant features, and surgical excision achieved complete removal and meaningful functional recovery.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Abstract

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Case Report Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports 2025 December:15( 12) :Page 57-61 An Unusual Case of Patellar Osteochondromain an Elderly Woman: A Rare Site and Age of Presentation Anurag Choudhary1, Gowtham Senguttuvan1, Lionel John1, YogeshwarAgharkar1, Karthik Murugan1, SArivoli1 Learning Point of the Article: Osteochondroma, though typically a tumor of younger individuals, should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis of knee pain in elderly patients. Symptomatic lesions, even in uncommon locations such as the infrapatellar region, can be effectively managed with surgical excision, leading to significant improvement in function and quality of life. Abstract Introduction: Osteochondroma, a benign bone tumor commonly found in younger individuals, is seldom observed in older adults. This case report presents anatypical occurrence ofanosteochondroma ina 65-year-old female, located in the infrapatellar region of the right knee. Clinical examination revealed a firm, non-tender mass in the infrapatellar area, accompanied by mild joint effusion and restricted range of motion. This case highlights the importance of including osteochondromain the differential diagnosis for knee pain in elderly patients and demonstrates the effectiveness ofsurgical intervention inmanaging symptomatic lesions inuncommon anatomical locations. Case Report: A 65-year-old female presented to the orthopedic outpatient department with a chief complaint of right knee pain and swelling that had progressively worsened over the last year. The pain was described as a dull ache, exacerbated by activity and partially relieved by rest. In addition, the patient experienced mechanical symptoms impacting her mobility and quality of life. Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans, confirmed an osteochondroma in the infrapatellar region, characterized by a bony outgrowth, with no signs suggesting malignant transformation. Due to the symptomatic nature and impact on the patient’s quality of life, surgical excisionwas performed achieving complete removal of the lesion. Conclusion: This caseillustratesararepresentation of infrapatellarosteochondromain an elderly patient, highlighting that such lesions, though uncommon in older adults, should remain a differential consideration in cases of unexplained knee pain with mechanical symptoms. Timely diagnosis through appropriate imaging and surgical excision can lead to excellent symptomatic relief and functional recovery, even in atypical anatomical locations. Keywords: Osteochondroma, elderly, infrapatellar. Introduction Osteochondromas are benign bony projections covered with a cartilaginous cap, often arising from the metaphysis of long bones. They account for 20–50% of all benign bone tumors and are usually discovered in patients under 30 years [1,2]. The occurrence in older adults is infrequent and poses diagnostic challenges, as symptoms can mimic more common degenerative joint diseases [3,4]. A rare case of Hoffa’s osteochondroma arising in the infrapatellar fat pad was reported previously, which emphasized that such atypical presentations can occur beyond |
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DOI:
[https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i12.6452](https://doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i12.6452) | Author’s Photo Gallery | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | |
Dr. Gowtham Senguttuvan | | | | | | |
1Department of Orthopaedics, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Address of Correspondence:
Dr. YogeshwarAgharkar,
Department of Orthopaedics, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. [E-mail:](E-mail: yogeshwaragharkar1998@gmail.com)[ yogeshwaragharkar1998@gmail.com](E-mail: yogeshwaragharkar1998@gmail.com) | | | | | | | Submitted: 13/09/2025; Review: 05/10/2025; Accept

FAQs

Why is osteochondroma important to consider in elderly patients with knee pain?

Osteochondroma typically affects younger individuals, but it should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis of knee pain in elderly patients because symptoms can mimic degenerative joint diseases.

What were the key clinical findings in the 65-year-old patient?

The patient had a firm, non-tender mass in the infrapatellar region with mild joint effusion and restricted range of motion, along with progressive right knee pain and swelling.

What diagnostic methods were used and what did they show?

X-rays, MRI, and CT scans confirmed an osteochondroma in the infrapatellar region, described as a bony outgrowth, with no signs suggesting malignant transformation.

Sep 29, 2026

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