Talus osteoid osteoma misdiagnosed as ankle synovitis: A case report in rehabilitation therapy.

Rationale: Osteoid osteoma, accounting for approximately 10% of benign bone tumors, is predominantly found in long bones and rarely in the foot bones, such as the talus. Its nonspecific symptoms, such as nocturnal pain and swelling, often lead to misdiagnosis, especially when it mimics conditions like ankle synovitis.

Patient Concerns: A 27-year-old male presented with persistent pain and swelling in his left ankle following an injury at the gym. Initial treatments, including arthroscopic debridement, failed to resolve his symptoms.

Diagnoses: Comprehensive evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans, coupled with input from a multidisciplinary team of specialists, confirmed the diagnosis of ankle osteoid osteoma.

Interventions: Following the confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient underwent surgical interventions, including peripheral nerve transfer, joint debridement, resection of calcaneal and talus lesions, and tendon release. These procedures were designed to address the underlying tumor and restore joint function.

Outcomes: After surgical intervention, the patient experienced substantial relief from pain and significant improvement in functional recovery. Postoperative rehabilitation further facilitated the restoration of mobility and strength, with no recurrence of symptoms observed during follow-up.

Lessons: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of ankle osteoid osteoma and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Rehabilitation therapists play a crucial role in managing such conditions, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through functional assessment and progress monitoring. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and improved patient quality of life.