Fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma of the fifth lumbar vertebra treated by vertebrectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

This is the first report of a fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma in the spine.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

This is a rare bone tumor composed of islands of hyaline cartilage in a collagen-producing spindle cell stroma. Seven cases of fibrocartilaginous mesenchymoma have been reported previously. Of these, four occurred in the long bones.

METHODS

The tumor is hypercellular with mild nuclear hyperchromasia. Few mitotic figures are present. However, it is highly infiltrative, and in the present patient, it completely encircled the spinal cord. Vertebrectomy was required to ensure tumor eradication.

RESULTS

Five years after tumor resection, femoral head allograft replacement of the vertebral body, and posterior spinal stabilization, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence.