The Optimal Surgical Approach and Complications in Resecting Osteochondroma around the Lesser Trochanter / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Surgical risks associated with the resection of osteochondroma around the proximal tibia and fibula, as well as the proximal humerus have been well established; however, the clinical presentation and optimal surgical approach for osteochondroma around the lesser trochanter have not been fully addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with osteochondroma around the lesser trochanter underwent resection. We described the chief complaint, duration of symptom, location of the tumor, mass protrusion pattern on axial computed tomography image, tumor volume, surgical approach, iliopsoas tendon integrity after resection, and complication according to the each surgical approach. RESULTS: Pain on walking or exercise was the chief complaint in 7 patients, and numbness and radiating pain in 6 patients. The average duration of symptom was 19 months (2–72 months). The surgical approach for 5 tumors that protruded postero-laterally was postero-lateral (n=3), anterior (n=1), and medial (n=1). All 4 patients with antero-medially protruding tumor underwent the anterior approach. Two patients with both antero-medially and postero-laterally protruding tumor received the medial and anterior approach, respectively. Two patients who underwent medial approach for postero-laterally protruded tumor showed extensive cortical defect after resection. One patient who received the anterior approach to resect a large postero-laterally protruded tumor developed complete sciatic nerve palsy, which was recovered 6 months after re-exploration. CONCLUSION: For large osteochondromas with posterior protrusion, we should not underestimate the probability of sciatic nerve compression. When regarding the optimal surgical approach, the medial one is best suitable for small tumors, while the anterior approach is good for antero-medial or femur neck tumor. For postero-laterally protruded large tumors, posterior approach may minimize the risk of sciatic nerve palsy.