Fibrous Dysplasia At Unusual Anatomic Sites: A Series Of 86 Cases With Emphasis On Histologic Patterns

Aims. Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm that most commonly arises in the ribs, femur, and craniofacial bones. We analyzed features of FD arising in the spine/short tubular/small bones of the hands/feet (STSBHF), specifically assessing for pattern of bone formation (conventional, complex/anastomosing, psammomatoid/cementum like), myxoid change, and presence of osteoclast-type giant cells. Materials and methods. A total of 1958 cases of FD were reviewed, of which 131 arose in the spine/STSBHF representing 2.5% of institutional and 10% of consultation cases, respectively. Eighty-six cases had material available for review. Anatomic sites included vertebrae (n = 58, 67%), short tubular bones (n = 20, 23%), and small bones of the hands/feet (n = 8, 9%). The most common morphologic pattern of bone identified was conventional (n = 77, 90%), followed by complex/anastomosing (n = 22, 26%) and psammomatoid/cementum like (n = 22, 26%). Eighteen cases (21%) had matrix-poor areas. Hypercellular areas were identified in 6 cases, 2 cases of which showed matrix-poor areas. Osteoclast-type giant cells were noted in 9 cases and myxoid change was present in 3 cases. Radiologic imaging studies available for 41 cases nearly all demonstrated features typical of FD, but the diagnosis was not predicted due to the unexpected location. Conclusions. FD arising in the spine/STSBHF is rare and frequently results in expert consultation. A significant number of cases exhibited less commonly recognized patterns of bone formation, and stromal changes including osteoclast-type giant cells, and matrix poor areas. Furthermore, imaging features in the STSBHF are often less specific. Awareness of the morphologic spectrum at these locations coupled with radiologic correlation should aid in accurate classification.