Atypical osteochondroma of the lumbar spine associated with suprasellar pineal germinoma: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumor, accounting for 36% of benign bone tumors. Often found within the appendicular skeleton, osteochondromas of the spine are rare, comprising 4% to 7% of primary benign spinal tumors. CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a solitary lumbar osteochondroma in an 18-year-old male with a history of a suprasellar pineal germinoma treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation. He underwent mass excision and partial laminectomy with the ultrasonic bone scalpel (Misonix, Farmingdale, NY, United States) at the L5 Level without the use of adjuvants. The patient returned to work and full activities without back pain at 3 mo postoperatively. CONCLUSION Osteochondromas are common tumors of the appendicular skeleton but rarely occur within the spine. This case discussion supplements current osteochondroma literature by describing an unusual presentation of this tumor.