Spontaneous shrinkage of solitary osteochondromas

Imaging of solitary and multiple osteochondromas: From head to toe - A review

Osteochondromas account for 20%-50% of all benign bone lesions. These tumors may present as solitary non-hereditary lesions, which are the most common presentation, or as multiple tumors associated with hereditary conditions. Plain radiography is the imaging method of choice and demonstrates the typical cortical and medullary continuity of the tumor with the underlying bone. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed to evaluate cartilage cap thickness, which correlates with malignant transformation. Other local complications include compression of adjacent neurovascular bundles, muscles, and tendons, bursitis, tendon tears, stalk fracture, and angular or rotational long bone deformities. Although the imaging features of osteochondromas are largely known, only a few papers in the literature have focused on their main complications and image-based follow-up. This paper aimed to illustrate the main complications of osteochondromas, suggest an image-based algorithm for management and follow-up and discuss differential diagnosis.

Vanishing solitary osteochondroma of humerus following trauma: A case report

Osteochondromas are the most common benign tumors of the bone. Mainly these lesions affect the long-bone metaphysis and usually are asymptomatic. When complications develop from these lesions, then they become symptomatic and surgical resection may become indicated. Spontaneous resolution of osteochondroma is rare. There have been fewer case reports about this condition. We are reporting 16 years old, male, who sustained direct trauma to his shoulder and presented with fracture at the base of a solitary osteochondroma. Complete resolution of the lesion occurred without any surgical intervention 18 months following the fracture.

Spontaneous Resolution of an Osteochondroma

A 13-year-old girl presented with an apparent classic osteochondroma. Because she was skeletally immature, the decision was made to observe the lesion. She returned to the clinic at age 17 for unrelated reasons and was noted to no longer have the palpable mass. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed resolution of the osteochondroma. The age range of this case fits with reported cases of childhood osteochondromas. The mechanism of resolution has been theorized to be incorporation of the lesion back into the bone during remodeling, fractures, or pseudoaneurysms. An initial period of observation is thus recommended with new patients.

Thin Cartilage Cap May Be Related to the Spontaneous Regression in Pediatric Patients with Osteochondroma

BACKGROUND

The spontaneous regression of osteochondromas is rare, and only a few cases have been reported. Furthermore, the precise mechanism underlying spontaneous regression is unknown. This study aimed to examine the radiological findings of osteochondromas that had spontaneous regression and to identify potential indicators of this uncommon phenomenon in skeletally immature patients with osteochondromas.

METHODS

We included 28 patients (15 males and 13 females) who met the eligibility criteria between 2002 and 2019. The mean age at initial diagnosis was 9.7 years old (2-16 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.4 years (3-16 years).

RESULTS

Of the 28 patients, 10 (35.7%) had osteochondroma resolution. The osteochondroma resolved in one patient and regressed in nine. Tumor shrinkage is related to the thickness of the cartilage cap. The thickness of the cartilage cap did not correlate with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor shrinkage is associated with a thinner cartilage cap on magnetic resonance imaging. The thickness of the cartilage cap may be an important predictor of spontaneous regression in pediatric patients with osteochondroma.

Minor Shoulder Injury Reveals Spontaneous Regression of Proximal Humerus Osteochondroma

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumor; nonetheless, the natural history is poorly understood as a result of the low threshold for resection and the fact that many of these lesions are asymptomatic and therefore never diagnosed. We present a case of a 17-year-old patient whose routine shoulder X-ray evaluation, due to a minor shoulder injury, revealed spontaneous regression of a previously documented left proximal humerus osteochondroma at six years follow-up. The likelihood of spontaneous regression should be better understood by orthopedic surgeons and taken into account in the decision process of whether to remove osteochondromas surgically or wait.

Spontaneous regression of solitary osteochondromas in children: An option to consider in clinical practice

Osteochondromas are neoplasm that belong to the family of cartilaginous histogenesis tumors and represent 90% of all forms of exostoses. As most osteochondromas are asymptomatic, underdiagnosis is frequent. Symptomatic forms usually manifest before the age of 20 years, and the most common symptoms are pain and the detection of a bony mass. Herein, we report four cases of spontaneous regression of solitary osteochondromas in the light of literature. We consider that orthopedic surgeons should take into account the possibility of spontaneous regression of these tumors, before recommending surgery. Symptoms are usually mild and we recommend following these patients with X-ray and physical examination annually.

An Unusual Case of Solitary Osteochondroma of the Iliac Wing

Introduction

Osteochondromas represent one of the most common bone tumors accounting for 8% of all bone tumors. While most osteochondromas arise in the metaphysis of long bones, osteochondromas have been reported in atypical locations such as the scapula, metatarsals, and the pelvic region. Osteochondromas are capable of growing large enough to cause mass effects and can undergo malignant transformation, stressing the clinical importance of recognizing these tumors. Case Presentation. In this case, we present an 18-year-old skeletally mature Caucasian male with a symptomatic osteochondroma arising from the iliac wing. The osteochondroma increased in size since he reached skeletal maturity. This resulted in a mass effect that interfered with activities of daily living, including clothing wear and symptomatic impaction on hard surfaces.

Conclusion

The majority of osteochondromas arise from the metaphysis of long bones, but case reports have shown that osteochondromas presenting in atypical locations such as the pelvis do occur. In the case of our patient, his asymptomatic pelvic tumor grew to the extent that it was causing interference with activities of daily living. Surgical excision of his tumor proved to be curative, and there was no recurrence at 6 months after excision. Osteochondromas in this region are capable of growing large enough to cause sexual dysfunction. Clinical suspicion must be high to properly diagnose osteochondromas in atypical locations. All providers, particularly those in primary care, should be aware of these locations as patients with symptomatic mass lesions will likely initially present here.