Osteochondrosis of the medial malleolar epiphysis: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondrosis is characterized by a disturbance of enchondral ossification in skeletally immature patients and should be investigated in children having a history of persistent foot and ankle pain. Involvement of the medial malleolar epiphysis is rarely reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe the case of a sporty 12-year-old male with osteochondrosis of the left medial malleolar epiphysis treated with a conservative management.

DISCUSSION: Calcanear, navicular and metatarsal apophysis are the most common locations for osteochondrosis in ankle and foot. Anyway other osteochondrosis should be excluded. Medial malleolar osteochondrosis is occasionally described. We performed a review of the relevant literature and we summarized clinical aspects, radiological characteristics and reported management of this painful and probably underestimated condition.

CONCLUSION: Medial malleolar osteochondrosis is a rare but well recognized condition. Only seven cases are described in literature.