Spontaneous regression of osteochondromatosis of the radius after lengthening of the ulna: a case report.

Abstract

Despite the high incidence, the natural biologic behavior of the osteochondroma is not yet known. In particular, the spontaneous regression of the exostosis is very rare and as yet an undefined phenomenon. Since the first description by Hunter in 1835, only 11 cases have been reported. On reviewing the reports in the literature, all cases were regressed spontaneously without significant mechanical stimuli such as surgical procedures. The reasons for the spontaneous regression were not explained sufficiently. This study describes one additional case of the spontaneous regression of osteochondromatosis of the radius and ulna after change of the mechanical strain or stress with lengthening of the ulna in a patient with multiple hereditary exostosis. The radiographic findings in this study are presented with some hypotheses explaining this interesting phenomenon.