Ossifying fibroma of the tibia distinguished from fibrous dysplasia is a recognized clinicopathological entity reported by Kempson et al. Four cases each of ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia arising in the tibia are presented, comparing the radiological features and histological appearance of the tumors. Radiologically, ossifying fibromas revealed intracortical osteolytic lesions clearly marginated by abundant bony sclerosis. X-rays of fibrous dysplasia revealed typical ground glass appearance with an increase in diaphyseal width seen in all cases.
Histological findings seen in ossifying fibromas were osteoid bone rimmed by osteoblasts. In comparison fibrous dysplasias revealed more abundant fibrous tissue and osteoid bone only scarcely rimmed by osteoblasts. Therefore ossifying fibromas can be distinguished from fibrous dysplasia both radiologically and histologically. Also clinically ossifying fibromas were distinguishable due to the high recurrence rate after curettage and bone graft.
