Osteochondroma and Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient With Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Case Report

The purpose of this report was to describe the presentation of a patient with hereditary multiple exostoses and thoracic spinal cord compression from an osteochondroma.

A 31-year-old female presented to a chiropractic clinic with a history of hereditary multiple exostoses and back pain that had existed since the age of 16 years. She had a past medical history that was remarkable for 3 prior surgeries for mass removal. Examination revealed a left upper midscapular mass with decreased sensation.

Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and biopsy led to a diagnosis of osteochondroma. These diagnostic modalities confirmed that there was no malignant degeneration. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large expansive lesion involving the left posterior elements at the region of T3-T4. Subsequent thoracic hemilaminectomy and resection of the spinal tumor with posterior instrumentation and stabilization from T2-T5 resulted in 90% overall subjective improvement.

A detailed case history, thorough examination, guided advanced imaging, and biopsy provide important information for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of expansive lesions in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses.