Giant Cell Tumor

This is a case of a 39 year old woman who presnts with bilateral shin pain. She was an active runner and her clinician was concerned about shin splints or a fracture so plain radiographs were obtained. Radiographs demonstrate expansile masses within both fibulae. The masses do not demonstrate a discernible matrix. They are located in the proximal epiphsysis. There is no cortical destruction, periosteal reaction, or evidence of a soft tissue mass. The age of the patient as well as the location and appearance are most suggestive of giant cell tumors. Classic lesions which occur in the epiphsysis include giant cell tumors, chondroblastoma, and clear cell chondrosarcoma. The appearance of the mass can also be seen with aneurysmal bone cysts, but those lesions typically occur in younger patients.