Abstract
Aim: A case report: Symptomatic Osteochondroma of the Coracoid
Introduction: An osteochondroma is a common developmental tumour of bone characterized by abnormal periphyseal ectopic endochondral ossification. This results in a cartilage-capped subperiosteal bony projection. A solitary osteochondroma is encountered more frequently than are multiple hereditary osteochondromas. They are usually appreciated in the first decades of life and are most commonly located in the long bones, especially the femur, humerus and the tibia. Clinical presentations generally relate to the mass effect of the lesion. These lesions are said to grow to skeletal maturity. Continuous slow growth of the osteochondroma in adults should alert the clinician to the possibility of secondary malignant transformation, usually to a chondroma.
Method: We present an unusual case of shoulder pain in a 36-year-old man with a painful solitary osteochondroma of the coracoid process. Plain radiographs, computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging of the lesion showed a solitary osteochondroma with a visible cartilage cap eroding the under surface of the clavicle. The lesion was surgically explored and excised. Histological examination showed a benign osteochondroma. Removal of the tumour resulted in resolution of all signs and symptoms.
Conclusion: We are aware of no reported cases in the literature of osteochondroma of the coracoid process. This case was unusual in terms of age at clinical presentation and location, suggesting a continuous growth of the tumour beyond skeletal maturity.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Tillman. Correspondence should be addressed to BOOS at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
