Rib osteochondroma in the adolescent: case report and survey of complications

Abstract

Osteochondroma of the rib is not frequent and usually small and asymptomatic. Complications result from mechanical interference with neighboring anatomical structures. Only 5 cases of spinal cord compression, 2 of brachial plexus paralysis and 7 of hemothorax in the pediatric and adolescent age have been reported in the literature. Malignant transformation is also possible. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy with osteochondroma of the third rib developing into the thoracic cavity. The irregular radiographic appearance of the lesion and the presence of local pain after the patient had reached skeletal maturity gave us the indication for surgical resection.