Codman's triangle

Last reviewed 01/2018

Codman's triangle is the radiographic appearance of the rim of new subperiosteal bone which forms when a lesion such as a tumour lifts the periosteum away from the bone.

The small triangle of bone is seen at the advancing margin of the lesion.

The three main causes for a Codman's triangle are:

  • osteosarcoma
  • Ewing's sarcoma
  • subperiosteal abscess

Layering of the new bone may result in an "onion skin" appearance.