A raised serum calcium and PTH and a decrease in BMD suggest a brown tumour with PTHT with successful parathyroidectomy improv-

Follow-up radiographs of the distal radius revealed consolidation of the grafted bone and hydroxyapatite, and no recurrence of the lesion (Fig 2). A brown tumour presents with areas of radiolucency particularly in the facial bones, pelvis, ribs and femur (Doğan et al., 2004). Our patient had an unusual location of this disorder although this has been documented before (Resnick, 1974). As usual, the diagnosis of brown tumour, giant cell tumour, giant cell reparative granuloma and aneurysmal bone cyst must be considered and radiographic features do not help to distinguish between these diagnoses. A raised serum calcium and PTH and a decrease in BMD suggest a brown tumour with PTHT with successful parathyroidectomy improving the lesions (Agarwal et al., 2002; Doğan et al., 2004; Raeburn et al., 2002). However, curettage and bone graft could be considered for persistent symptoms after parathyroidectomy.