Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Osteochondroma of the thoracic spine and scoliosis
M José Alcaraz Mexía1, E Izquierdo Núñez, C Santonja Garriga
1Servicio de Radiologia, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid, Spain. maria.alcaraz@cernet-srl.com
Study Design:
The case of a 16-year-old patient with an osteochondroma in T11 and scoliosis is reported.
Objective:
To describe the treatment of an osteochondroma with scoliotic deformity and the imaging methods used for the diagnosis.
Summary Of Background Data:
Osteochondromas arising in the vertebral column are rare. However, spinal involvement is found with some regularity because osteochondromas are among the most common benign tumors of bone.
Methods:
The clinical history, plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and pathologic findings of the reported patient were reviewed. The medical literature also was reviewed.
Results:
The patient was treated with surgery in an attempt to remove the tumor and correct the aesthetic deformity. The results were satisfactory, with an improvement of the thoracolumbar scoliosis from 45 degrees to 18 degrees.
Conclusions:
Osteochondromas of the vertebral column may cause scoliosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are necessary for evaluating the origin, size, and characteristics of the tumor. In this case, surgical management involved resection of the tumor and correction of the scoliotic deformity.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
01:09Overview of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton of the adult...
01:17The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:20The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...