Osteochondromas of the Proximal Humerus. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management

1) To recall the epidemiology and signs of osteochondromas of the proximal humerus (OPH); 2) determine treatment indications; 3) and make recommendations for surgical treatment.

Retrospective, observational and longitudinal study of 20 solitary and 12 multiple osteochondromas of the proximal humerus. We analyzed the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics and treatment results with an average time of follow-up of the operated cases of 45 months.

Eleven (55%) males and 9(45%) females with an average age of 21 years presented solitary osteochondromas. Twelve (60%) cases were operated on at a mean age of 23 years because they were symptomatic or, in one case, malignancy was suspected. Two solitary osteochondromas could have spontaneously regressed. Multiple osteochondromas were found in 11(92%) males and one (8%) female of whom 3required surgery. There were no complications or recurrences. Functional outcome was excellent in all patients.

Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus are relatively common, although most publications are case reports or short series.

Osteochondromas of the proximal humerus do not differ from those in other locations. Symptomatic cases and those in which malignancy is suspected would be operated, the former preferably at the end of growth. The surgical treatment is summarized in planning the approach, using CT and/or MRI, extraperiosteal en bloc resection, and eventual bone reconstruction, ideally with allograft.