Refers to excess bone produced by the periosteum, which occurs in response to such conditions as neoplasm, inflammation or trauma.

  • At the edge of a very active periosteal reaction there may be a cuff of new bone known as a Codman’s triangle.
  • Often seen in highly malignant primary bone tumours, e.g. osteosarcoma

Smooth lamellar, Spiculated (Sunray) Onion skin, Codman’s Triangle Z

  • The presence of an active periosteal reaction in the absence of trauma usually indicates an aggressive lesion .

  • A traumatic fracture causes periosteal reaction but there is no underlying bone destruction.

Periosteal reaction (arrow) in this case osteomyelitis