Femoral Osteochondroma Formation in a Division I Male Basketball Player: A Case Report

Introduction: Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors that typically occur in the metaphysis of long bones. These lesions are typically asymptomatic and first develop in childhood or adolescence.

Case Presentation: Twenty-one year old, Division I male basketball player presented with unresolved medial thigh pain after a collision during a basketball game. He was diagnosed with a femoral osteochondroma via x-ray, which was surgically excised secondary to pain.

Discussion: This case was unique due to the rarity of this condition, the differential diagnosis at a young age, and the lack of symptomatic complaints for ten years. Athletic trainers should consider previously asymptomatic osteochonromas with unresolved quadriceps pain.

Conclusion: Osteochondromas are infrequent, but should be monitored closely due to the long-term effects that they can cause. Patients should consider the risks and benefits of excision and whether conservative treatment or surgical excision would be more beneficial.