Osteochondroma of the cervical spine causing cord compression

Osteochondromata (or cartilage capped exostoses) are benign tumours which arise from the bone cortex and grow slowly during childhood and adolescence by endochondral ossification (Murray, 1969). They most frequently occur in the tubular bones, but can also arise from flat bones, usually the scapula or pelvis; they may be pedunculated or sessile in form. Osteochondromata are rare in the spine; in this site they may cause compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina. The diagnosis may be suggested by plain radiographs, but myelography is required for confirmation. A man aged 21 was admitted for investigation of pain radiating down the ulnar border of the right arm on all neck movements for two and a half years. He also complained of weakness in the right arm for two years and stiffness and numbness of the right knee of two months' duration.