Published online Jun 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i17.4123
Peer-review started: March 22, 2023
First decision: April 19, 2023
Revised: May 2, 2023
Accepted: May 12, 2023
Article in press: May 12, 2023
Published online: June 16, 2023
Processing time: 81 Days and 19.9 Hours
Hereditary multiple exostoses is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple osteochondromas affecting primarily long bones. Chest wall lesions may represent a challenge, particularly in pediatric patients. Pain is a common manifestation. However, life-threatening complications can result from direct involvement of adjacent structures. Surgical resection with appropriate reconstruction is often required.
A 5-year-old male who was diagnosed with hereditary multiple exostoses presented with significant pain from a large growing chest wall exostosis lesion. After appropriate preoperative investigations, he underwent surgical resection with reconstruction of his chest wall using a biologic bovine dermal matrix mesh.
Resection of chest wall lesions in children represents a challenge. Preoperative planning to determine the appropriate reconstruction strategy is essential.
Core Tip: Hereditary multiple exostoses is an uncommon genetic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by multiple skeletal lesions (exostoses). Although most lesions are asymptomatic, pain is a frequent patient complaint. Additionally, life-threatening complications may occur secondary to direct involvement of adjacent structures. Our patient had several skeletal lesions with a large chest wall exostosis causing significant pain and disability. Resection was successfully performed with chest wall reconstruction using a biologic mesh derived from acellular bovine dermis. For similar cases, careful patient selection, proper perioperative planning, and appropriate reconstruction strategy are important factors to achieve the desired outcome.