2000 Volume 49 Issue 4 Pages 1097-1103
Chondrosarcoma arising from the thoracic vertebra is rare. Total excision in such cases is quite difficult because of its proximity to the vital structures such as the spinal cord, aorta, etc. Here we report two cases arising from the thoracic spine-One involved the T7 to T10 vertebral bodies and ribs and the other the T4 to T7. Both cases were histopathologically diagnosed as chondrosarcoma (Gradel) by open biopsy.
The lesions were surgically removed through thoracotomy. The chest wall defects were reconstructed with Marlex meshes and posterior spinal instrumentations were employed in both cases.
Preoperative detailed evaluation by MRI and CT is necessary for the surgical procedure for such tumors.
