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Solitary pelvic osteochondroma causing L5 nerve root compression
Whoan Jeang Kim1, Kap Jung Kim, Sang Ki Lee
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Orthopedics
|December 9, 2009
Summary
Pelvic osteochondroma, a rare benign bone tumor, can compress spinal nerves. Surgical removal of this unusual pelvic osteochondroma relieved the patient's symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor, typically affecting long bone metaphyses.
- It often presents as an asymptomatic mass, usually around the knee.
- Pelvic osteochondromas are rare and infrequently cause spinal nerve compression.
Observation:
- A solitary pelvic osteochondroma arising from the iliac crest compressed the L5 nerve root.
- Imaging revealed an exophytic, calcified mass with a cartilage cap.
- The L5 nerve root showed focal compression and thinning.
Findings:
- En bloc excision was performed for the symptomatic pelvic osteochondroma.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced complete symptom resolution.
- Neurologic symptoms are expected to improve over time.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering osteochondroma in the differential diagnosis of spinal disease, even with pelvic locations.
- Surgical excision is effective for symptomatic pelvic osteochondromas causing nerve compression.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
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