This suggested a primary bone tumor with a calcificated part evection into the thoracic cage ( Fig.

Computed tomography (CT) of the thoracic spine, performed to further characterize the lesion, revealed high attenuation, arising from the left lateral aspect of the T8 transverse process overlying the left eighth rib posteriorly, with central soft-tissue density and a calcified rim. An agglutination test for Salmonella and Brucella yielded negative results.Ī plain X-ray showed what appeared to be an uneven ovoid paraspinal mass at the level of T8 and T9 vertebrae ( Fig. The results of liver function tests and serum chemistry including blood glucose and urinalysis were normal. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 13 mm/h (normal, < 15 mm/h), and the white blood cell (WBC) count was normal. Palpation results showed it was hard and about 1 cm × 2 cm in size. The location of the node was 1 cm on the left side of the transverse process. On physical examination, there was a considerable tenderness over the lower thoracic spine, but there was no neurological deficit. After a 1-month treatment of anti-inflammatory drugs, the symptoms had not subsided and the node had begun to increase in size and could be detected at the epidermis. We report on a 28-year-old man suffering from intermittent back pain due to a node in the thoracic vertebrae. The best choice of treatment for spinal osteochondromas is surgical excision or curettage and spinal stabilization, if necessary. The histological examination of this patient revealed the lesion was osteochondroma. It is concluded that accurate and prompt diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion followed by surgical treatment to prevent severe morbidity in cases of primary spinal column tumors. At surgery, a firm and cartilaginous tumor originating from the transverse process was radically excised and surgical curettage of the lesion was performed. Here we report a giant solitary osteochondroma arising from the thoracic transverse process of T8 vertebra and involving the corresponding transverse process and rib.Ī 28-year-old man presented with a progressive thoracic node, and neuroradiological evaluation of the spine showed a giant mass lesion involving the transverse process of T8 vertebra and concomitant corresponding facet joint and rib on the left side. An osteochondroma arising from the transverse process of the vertebra is even rarer, especially following from the thoracic transverse process. When they are found in the vertebral column, less than 1% of all osteochondromas and few tumors occur in the thoracic vertebrae. Oblique view of cervical vertebra: The parts of a human vertebra.The incidence of osteochondroma is rare and only 2% of such tumors are found in the spine area. The vertebral arch is formed from two, short, thick processes called pediments that extend posteriorly from the lateral sides of the vertebral body, before joining together at the midline with the laminae.

The intervertebral discs that act as ligaments between the vertebral bodies.

The intervertebral foramina that facilitate access to the spinal cord for nerves and vessels.

Located between each pair of vertebrae are two laterally located openings:

The posterior vertebral or neural arch that encloses the spinal cord.

The anterior vertebral body which is the point of articulation between the vertebrae.

Comprised of bone and cartilage, the configuration of a vertebra varies based on its location within the body, although there are common features associated with those of the upper region.Ī typical vertebra of the upper region of the spine consists of two regions:

The strength and flexibility of this structure is generated by the structure of the individual vertebrae. It also provides a base for numerous muscle attachments and articulations with other bones. When articulated together the vertebrae form a strong yet flexible structure that encloses the vertebral foramen, or opening, where the spinal cord sits. vertebral arch: The posterior part of a vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.process: An outgrowth of tissue or cell.

Spinal transverse process