Surgical treatment of rare case of scapula osteochondroma in a resource limited setting: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Osteochondroma also known as exostosis is one of the most common benign bone tumours, and are characterized by bone protuberances surrounded by a cartilage layer. They generally affect the extremities of the long bones in an immature skeleton and deform them. They are easily diagnosed at the level of the appendicular skeleton. However, atypical localization and malignancy are sometimes challenging to diagnose on clinical evaluation and plain radiography. Therefore, more refine diagnostic tools may be required. Scapula localization of solitary exostosis is relatively rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 17 years old male patient reporting worsening shoulder pain since 3 years with right scapula winging. Computer tomography (CT) scan revealed an osteochondroma on the ventro-medial surface of the right scapula extending into the scapulo-thoracic space. Surgical excision was done and histopathological study confirmed osteochondroma of the scapula. We noted excellent post-operative pain alleviation after two weeks, full range of motion and a better self-esteem. DISCUSSION: The scapula is involved in 3.0-6.4% of all cases. Osteochondroma usually arises on the anterior surface of the scapula. Surgical excision is an excellent treatment option for symptomatic patients with scapula osteochondroma. In our case presentation we used a muscle sparing technique. No muscle detachment will ensure rapid and better postoperative recovery. Surgical removal is useful in eliminating painful symptoms and avoids possible malignant transformation. CONCLUSION: Good clinical outcome is expected with surgical excision of symptomatic scapula osteochondromas especially using muscle-sparing technique which offers a quick functional rehabilitation of patients.

[Residual pleural opacity in patients treated for pleural tuberculosis in Yaounde]. / Opacité pleurale résiduelle en fin de traitement pour tuberculose pleurale à Yaoundé.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of residual pleural opacity (RPO) at the end and after 6 months (M12) of antituberculosis treatment (ATT) in adults with pleural tuberculosis. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, all patients admitted for pleural tuberculosis between September 2010 and August 2012 in the pneumology A unit of Yaounde Jamot Hospital were included. Each patient was then followed up for 12 months. RPO was considered significant if it was measured 10mm or more on standard chest X-ray. The logistic regression model was used to investigate the risk factors of significant RPO at the end of antituberculosis treatment. RESULTS: Of the 193 patients included, median (interquartile range) age of 33 (25-42) years, 115 (59.6%) were men. The incidence (95% CI) of significant RPO was 22.0% (14.9-29.1) and 11.0% (4.9-17.1) at the end of ATT and at M12 respectively. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors of the occurrence of a significant RPO at the end of ATT and at M12 were smoking, associated parenchymal lesions, and hypoglycopleuria. CONCLUSION: Cumulative incidence of RPO ≥ 10 mm was 22% at the end of ATT and 11% after 12 months from the beginning of treatment. Patients with risk factors of RPO ≥ 10 mm should benefit from greater surveillance and appropriate management.