A Brodie's abscess is characteristically found in the:

• A Diaphysis of long bones in children with acute haematogenous osteomyelitis
• B Metaphysis of long bones with a sclerotic margin on X-ray ✓
• C Epiphysis of adults with subacute haematogenous osteomyelitis
• D Periosteum surrounding the cortex with onion-skin appearance

Explanation

Brodie's abscess is a chronic, localised subacute haematogenous osteomyelitis presenting as a well-defined lytic area in the metaphysis of long bones (most commonly the distal tibia), surrounded by dense sclerotic bone on X-ray. It represents a walled-off infection by a host of moderate resistance. The central lytic cavity contains seropurulent material. The sclerotic rim helps distinguish it from Ewing sarcoma and osteoid osteoma (though all three can cause night pain). Treatment is curettage and bone grafting after antibiotics.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.