Osteochondroma. An Osteological Study

Abstract

Background: Osteochondroma is the most common tumor of bone, accounting for approximately one third of benign lesions in the skeleton is a broad (sessile) or narrow (pedunculated) skeletal protrusion comprised of marrow and cortical bone. Although it is benign, its biological behavior still has a malignant potential. Chondrosarcoma arising in osteochondroma has been recognized for many years. Osteochondromas might occur on any bone preformed in cartilage, they were especially seen on the long bones of the extremities, predominantly around the knee. In fact, the lower limb seemed to be at a higher risk of the tumor than the upper limb on the top two locations: distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia, however, the proximal humerus ranked the third place for solitary osteochondroma while the proximal fibula for multiples osteochondromas. Methods and Findings: A total of 20 skeletons and 18 cadavers of both sex, 16 males and 2 females, with different age groups were used, this study was carried out by routine dissection classes for undergraduate medical student´s in the Morphology Laboratory of the University of Pamplona during the years 2013-2016. In only one sample was found the presence of osteochondroma. The measurement of the osseous mass was of 7 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm, attached to the posterolateral aspect of the middle third of the femur. Conclusions: Osteochondroma is generally asymptomatic or discovered accidentally, but it can cause different symptoms depending on site of occurrence local swelling, bony deformities, fracture, bursa formation, arthritis and impingement on adjacent tendons, vascular or neurologic compromise, and dislocation The importance of correct treatment and follow-up of large osteochondromas to avoid complications such as further damage to neighboring neurovascular structures, and potential malignant degeneration. The present study describe a rare location from an osteochondroma in the femur diaphysis.