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A lumbar chondroma originating from the intervertebral disc
Uma Gonchigar1, Taryn Cazzolli2, Samon Tavakoli-Sabour1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States.
Surgical Neurology International
|March 10, 2023
Summary
Spinal chondromas are rare benign tumors. This case highlights a recurrent lumbar radiculopathy caused by an intervertebral disc chondroma, emphasizing its potential as a differential diagnosis after discectomy.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chondromas, benign cartilaginous tumors, rarely affect the spine, typically originating from vertebral cartilage.
- Intervertebral disc chondromas are exceptionally rare spinal tumors.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female presented with recurrent low back pain and left lumbar radiculopathy post-discectomy.
- A mass contiguous with the intervertebral disc was identified, compressing the L3 nerve root.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the mass revealed a benign chondroma originating from the L3-4 intervertebral disc.
- Preoperative differentiation from herniated discs is challenging, with only 37 prior reported cases.
Implications:
- Intervertebral disc chondromas are an uncommon but critical consideration in recurrent spinal nerve root compression after discectomy.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies in persistent radiculopathy following spinal surgery.
