Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Osteochondromas are the most frequent benign bone tumors, constituting about 40% of this type of tumors. They especially affect the appendicular skeleton, with a preference to long bones.

Case Presentation: We present a case of cervical osteochondroma, presenting with cervical pain.

Clinical Outcomes: X-ray revealed an hipotransparency over de articular facet on level C5-6, CT scan confirmed the presence of a hipertrophic exophitic lesion suggestive of osteocondroma and MRI reaveled a cartilaginous cap of 7x 21 x 27 mm. The patient underwent total surgical lesion excision without complications, recovering from pain and preserving mobility and neurological integrity in the follow-up.

Discussion: Only 1-4% of solitary osteochondromas affect the spine, with a greater tendency towards the cervical region and posterior elements. Hereditary Multiple Exostosis (EMH) is an example of a genetic abnormality that predisposes to the appearance of several osteochondromas, however only 7-9% appear in the spine. In EMH, osteochondromas can transform into chondrosarcomas, and biopsy and complete recession are mandatory in these cases. The diagnosis of osteochondromas can be difficult, as they are usually asymptomatic and compressive myelopathy is rare. Surgical treatment with complete excision of the lesion is indicated.