A retrospective analysis of osteochondroma of scapula following excision biopsy

Scapula is an uncommon site for osteochondroma. There is a paucity of information regarding postoperative complications, recurrence of osteochondroma, functional improvement. A retrospective analysis of 9 patients treated for osteochondroma scapula over a period of 4 years was undertaken to assess postoperative complications, recurrence, and functional improvement following excision biopsy for osteochondroma scapula. All patients of any age group who were diagnosed with osteochondroma scapula and treated with excision biopsy in the past 6 years were included in the study. Patients were followed up for recurrence, postoperative complications and functional assessment using modified UCLA shoulder rating scale. The mean age at presentation was 13.7 years. Boys were more commonly affected than girls with a male to female ratio of 7:2. There was no incidence of recurrence of osteochondroma, postoperative wound complications or functional limitation following excision biopsy of osteochondroma scapula. We conclude that preoperative functional restriction in osteochondroma of scapula is mainly due to location of tumour especially when present over ventral or ventromedial aspect scapula. After complete excision they do not cause any functional limitations.