title: A case report of osteoblastoma on the distal phalanx of the ring finger successfully treated with curettage and polymethylmethacrylate filling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoblastoma is an aggressive benign tumor whose presentation varies with location and size. This rare bone tumor is thus difficult to diagnose particularly when it occurs outside its most common location - the vertebral column and long bones.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of osteoblastoma of the fourth distal phalanx of the left hand in an 18-year-old male, presented with pain and swelling and treated with curettage and polymethylmethacrylate filling followed by immobilization by a cast, which was opened 10 days later to start physical therapy. Patient was pain-free, recovered full function of his finger, and remained without pain at one month post-surgery. The finger was monitored closely for two years; sequential films showed a radiopaque interface and no evidence of local recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first report of osteoblastoma on the distal phalanx. The possibility of osteoblastoma should be considered in cases of pain and swelling of phalanx, and if diagnosed, curettage and polymethylmethacrylate filling may be the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Yavuz Selim Bone and Joınt Disease State Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey.
authors.forename: Seyit Ali
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gumustas
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Medipol University, Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey. Electronic address: talatcagirmaz@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Talat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cagırmaz
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Medipol University, Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Olcay
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Guler
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Bahçeşehir University, Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Onder
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ofluoglu
authors.affiliation: Pathology Department, Dr. Lutfı Kırdar Kartal Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sibel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kayahan
keywords: Bone tumors; Osteoblastoma; Phalanges