Osteochondroma of the C5 lamina with cord compression: case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report of a solitary osteochondroma of the cervical spine causing myelopathy in a 66-year-old woman. OBJECTIVES: To review the relevant literature and describe a highly unusual clinical manifestation of solitary osteochondroma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteochondromas are common benign bony lesions that seldom occur in the axial skeleton. These lesions are more commonly reported with neural compression in cases of hereditary multiple exostoses (Bessel-Hagel syndrome, diaphyseal aclasis). METHODS: Chart review, review of relevant radiographic examinations and histopathologic specimens, clinical follow-up with examination, and literature review. RESULTS: Manifestation with new neurologic deficit in a 66-year-old patient was singular. CONCLUSIONS: Osteochondromas are unusual in the axial skeleton, and are rarely signaled by neural compression. Occurrence is generally in young adults in the second and third decades. Initial manifestation with a new neurologic deficit in a 66-year-old patient was highly unusual.