Thorn-induced granulomata of bone

Abstract A case of thorn-induced granuloma of bone is presented and discussed in relation to the previous eight cases reported. The condition affects the exposed areas, usually the hands, of children. It may be as long as nine months from the initial episode of injury or inflammation to presentation as pseudo-tumour. The radiographic appearances are those of a chronic granuloma with longitudinal cavitation and adjacent periosteal reaction and as such can be differentiated from Ewing's sarcoma, osteoid osteoma, tuberculosis dactylitis, benign osteoblastoma, and stress fracture.