Costal osteochondroma. A rare cause of spinal cord compression.
METHODS
Report of a rare cause of spinal cord compression: costal osteochondroma.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a very rare cause of spinal cord compression, costal osteochondroma, which was present in a 16-year-old girl with a history of hereditary multiple exostoses.


BACKGROUND
Only four cases of expansion of costal osteochondroma into the spinal canal through an intervertebral foramen have been reported previously.


RESULTS
The origin of the osteochondroma at the head of the right 12th rib, the invasion of the spinal canal through the right T12-L1 intervertebral foramen, and the compression of the spinal cord were shown on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The exact extent of the osteochondroma, particularly the cartilage cap, was delineated accurately by magnetic resonance imaging. Complete excision followed by full recovery occurred 19 months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred method of investigation in cases of osteochondroma related to spine, because it allows for better pre-operative planning and helps to prevent incomplete excision of the tumor.
Tang
W M
WM
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Duchess of Kent Hospital, China.
Luk
K D
KD
Leong
J C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D015831:Osteochondroma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed