"Incidental" bone lesions--when to refer to the tumor specialist.

Incidental bone tumors are, by definition, asymptomatic lesions that are discovered through routine radiographs obtained for other reasons. Generally, these lesions are benign and latent, requiring no further intervention except observation. However, occasionally these radiographs will detect benign aggressive processes or even malignant lesions that do require further treatment and referral to a tumor specialist. Oftentimes, there are characteristic findings on radiographs that are pathognomonic. Knowledge of these findings can simplify the treatment algorithm for a practicing general orthopaedist. This article will describe radiographic characteristics of benign and malignant bone lesions and their typical presentations. It will then focus on the types of bone lesions that are often found incidentally by routine radiography. Specific recommendations, including recommendation for referrals to orthopaedic tumor specialists, will be noted for lesions described. Most malignant lesions will present with pain and a constellation of history and physical exam findings that will signal the patient to seek medical care; although they will be mentioned for the sake of comparison and completeness, they will not be the focus of this review.

Extensor indicis proprius and extensor digitorum communis rupture after volar locked plating of the distal radius--a case report.

Distal radius fractures are among the most commonly encountered fractures in the extremities. Volar plating of distal radius fracture has gained popularity in recent years with the introduction of the locked plating system. Complications of volar plating include extensor and flexor tendon rupture. Here we present a case report of an extensor indicis proprius and extensor digitorum communis to index finger tendon rupture after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture with locked plate.