Vascular complications of osteochondromas.

Abstract

Osteochondromas are the most common benign tumor of the bone. They are sometimes responsible for vascular complications involving either veins or arteries, principally around the knee. We report six cases of such complications. An extensive review of literature through a computerized research was performed. We found 97 cases that were previously reported in the English literature giving sufficient details and providing data on 103 cases for analysis. Surgical treatment of vascular complications of osteochondromas is recommended as an urgent procedure to avoid irreversible damages, such as arterial occlusion, embolism, or phlebitis. Prophylactic resection of osteochondromas in the vicinity of a vessel must be performed.