Spinal osteochondroma presenting as atypical spinal curvature: a case report

Abstract

Study design: The case of an 8-year-old girl with hereditary multiple exostosis presenting with atypical spinal curvature is reported.

Objective: To describe a case of spinal curvature caused by an osteochondroma, illustrating the need for careful evaluation of patients with hereditary multiple exostosis presenting with "scoliosis."

Summary of background data: Osteochondromas have been known to arise in the spinal canal and to present with symptoms of neural compression. Spinal curvature is a rare presenting sign of osteochondromas.

Methods: The patient's medical and radiographic history is reviewed as well as the medical literature.

Results: An 8-year-old girl with hereditary multiple exostosis was referred for possible thoracotomy and anterior decompression of a T4 osteochondroma thought to be causing an atypical "scoliosis." Further examination, review of the radiographs, and computed tomography scan showed a large L4 osteochondroma encroaching on the neural elements. The patient's neurologic symptoms and spinal curvature resolved in the 2 years after surgical excision of the lumbar osteochondroma.

Conclusions: Patients with hereditary multiple exostosis and spinal curvature require further diagnostic evaluation to ensure that an osteochondroma in the spinal canal is not the cause of that curvature.