Osteochondroma of the Scapula: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Osteochondromas are bone lesions composed of medullary and cartilaginous bone covered by a cap of hyaline cartilage. The presence of medullary and cortical bone with the continuity of the tumor is pathognomonic for osteochondroma and aid in establishing the diagnosis.We report a case of a two-year-old girl who presented to our clinic following her mother noticing a palpable, growing, and painful mass on her left scapula. There was no limitation in the range of motion. A clear-cut mass was seen on the dorsal aspect and palpated measuring around 2.5x3 cm. Surgical excision of the mass followed by histologic examination confirmed osteochondroma. Upon follow-up, the patient had no pain and had a full range of left shoulder motion without discomfort or pain.In conclusion, scapular exostoses are very rare and more so when they present dorsally. Symptomatic lesions can be managed effectively with surgical excision of exostosis.

Dorsal Scapular Osteochondroma in the Chiropractic Clinic: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Here, we present the novel case of an eight-year-old boy who presented at a chiropractic clinic with chief complaints of middle back pain and scoliosis and was subsequently diagnosed with dorsal scapular osteochondroma. In contrast to all previously reported cases of osteochondroma in the dorsal scapula [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], this case report is the first to demonstrate the benefits of a conservative management approach for the treatment of symptoms related to dorsal scapular osteochondroma, as the majority of previous reports have involved surgery.…”

“…While a winged scapula and scoliosis were the initial concerns in the present case, further investigation revealed a dorsal scapular osteochondroma to be the primary cause of the patient's symptoms. By maintaining a high degree of clinical suspicion and performing thorough investigations, osteochondroma can be diagnosed through advanced radiography, although the diagnosis can also be confirmed histologically during surgery [2]. The treating chiropractor can therefore identify the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms and devise an appropriate management plan [15].…”

“…Very rarely, malignant transformation can occur, particularly in patients with hereditary multiple exostosis [2]. In cases of pain, cosmetic concerns, complications, a high risk of malignant transformation, or an uncertain diagnosis, surgery is indicated [2]. The majority of reported cases of osteochondroma have been located in the ventral scapula [2], with only 10 reported cases of osteochondroma in the dorsal scapula [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

Conservative Rehabilitation Program for Osteochondroma of the Scapula: A Case Report

“…Scapular osteochondroma manifests as symptoms either directly from pressure on the surrounding anatomic structures or indirectly through reactive bursitis [ 6 ]. Osteochondroma rarely occurs in the scapula, accounting for 4.6% of all bone tumors [ 7 ]. Osteochondroma develops in tandem with bone development until physis closes [ 8 ].…”

Solitary Osteochondroma at Unusual Sites: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…Usually mushroom-shaped, the lesion affects the metaphysis of long bones, such as the femur and tibia [ 15 ]. Although OCs are a rare and intriguing occurrence in the scapula, comprising approximately 4.6% of all bone tumors [ 16 , 17 ]. Symptoms can also be caused by osseous abnormalities, fractures, bursa formation, mechanical compression of nearby structures, or even malignant transformation [ 3 , 4 , 18 , 19 ].…”