Vascular complications of osteochondroma

Apart from trauma, symptoms arising from peripheral arteries are very unusual in adolescents and young adults. Three cases of osteochondroma associated with rare vascular complications are presented, together with a review of the literature. The development of pain in relation to osteochondroma does not necessarily imply trauma or the onset of malignancy and vascular complications should be considered, particularly if the bone lesion occurs around the knee. In this situation, arteriography is considered essential in planning surgical treatment and, the importance of angiography in two planes is emphasised.