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Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
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Extradural chondroma presenting as lumbar mass with compressive neuropathy
Jonathan Pace1, Andrew M Lozen2, Marjorie C Wang2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Journal of Craniovertebral Junction & Spine
|October 23, 2014
Summary
A rare soft tissue chondroma in the spine caused leg symptoms in a patient. Surgical removal resolved the issue, but long-term monitoring is advised due to unknown malignant potential.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Spinal Pathology
Background:
- Soft tissue chondromas are rarely found in the spine.
- They are typically not considered in the differential diagnosis for leg sensory complaints.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old female presented with a 3-week history of decreased sensation and paresthesias in her left leg.
- Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed an L3 extradural soft tissue mass.
Findings:
- Surgical excision via L3 laminectomy was performed without complications.
- Pathologic examination confirmed benign cartilaginous tissue (soft tissue chondroma).
- Complete resolution of the patient's leg symptoms was observed post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare spinal tumors in the differential diagnosis of neurological deficits.
- Long-term follow-up is recommended for spinal soft tissue chondromas due to the unknown potential for malignant transformation.
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