Osteochondroma of the cervical spine

The localization of an osteochondroma in the spine is considered a rare occurrence. The authors describe the case of a 37 year-old woman with osteochondroma of the C2 neural arch involving the C1 spinous process. The woman came under observation because of severe loss of neck mobility and was subsequently diagnosed with osteochondroma. Of the preoperative examinations, MRI was more valuable than CT scan for defining the nature and extent of the tumor. Treatment consisted of complete posterior excision of the tumor, including the C1 spinous process and the C2 laminae up to the facets.