A solitary osteochondroma of the cervical spine: a case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondromas are usually found in the extremities and are rarely seen in the spine. They are most commonly found in the posterior elements of the spine, and intraspinal extension is uncommon. Compressive myelopathy as a presentation of vertebral osteochondroma in a child is a rare entity.

METHODS: We report a case of vertebral osteochondroma arising from the lamina of C3 vertebra, presenting with features of compressive myelopathyin a 15 year old boy.Total excision of the tumor was carried out along with lamina of C3 vertebra.Patient recovered significantly.

CONCLUSION: Spinal osteochondromas must be considered as rare etiology of spinal cord or root compression in the pediatric age group and utmost care should be taken while excising these benign lesions.