Osteocondromas/Exostosis

What is Osteochondroma?

Osteochondroma is a non-cancerous (benign) bone growth that typically appears near the growth plates of long bones, like those in the legs, arms, or pelvis. It’s made up of bone and cartilage and looks like a bony bump or lump. It’s the most common type of benign bone tumor in children and teenagers, often discovered during growth spurts.

What Causes It?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but osteochondromas are thought to develop due to an abnormality in the growth plate, where bones lengthen as children grow. In most cases, they occur randomly, but they can also be hereditary in a condition called Multiple Hereditary Exostoses (MHE), where multiple growths appear.

Are There Different Types?

Yes, there are two main types:

• Solitary Osteochondroma: A single bone growth, most common and usually not inherited.
• Multiple Osteochondromas: Multiple growths seen in MHE, which is inherited and can be passed down from parents to children.

Symptoms

Many children with osteochondroma don’t have symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

• A visible, painless bump near a joint (like the knee or shoulder).
• Pain or discomfort if the growth presses on nearby muscles, nerves, or tendons.
• Limited movement or joint stiffness.
• Differences in limb length if one bone grows slower than the other.

Possible Complications

While most osteochondromas are harmless, complications can occur, such as:

• Pressure on nerves or blood vessels, causing pain, numbness, or swelling.
• Bone deformities or differences in limb length.
• Rarely, the growth can become cancerous (less than 1% of cases).If it continues to grow in size after skeletal maturity, when your child is grown up, please see a specialist.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: The doctor feels the lump and checks for tenderness or movement issues.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays to see the bone growth, and sometimes MRI or CT scans for more detail.
• Genetic Testing: In cases of Multiple Hereditary Exostoses, genetic tests may be recommended.

Treatment Options

• Non-surgical Treatment:
  • Observation: If the osteochondroma isn’t causing pain or movement issues, doctors often recommend regular check-ups to monitor growth.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if there’s mild discomfort.
• Surgical Treatment:
  • Surgery is considered if the osteochondroma causes pain, restricts movement, or affects appearance. During surgery, the growth is removed, usually with good outcomes.

Recovery

• After surgery, most children recover fully within a few weeks to a few months.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength and flexibility.
• Regular follow-ups ensure no recurrence or complications.

How Can It Be Prevented?

There’s no known way to prevent osteochondroma as it’s linked to growth plate development and genetics. However, early diagnosis and monitoring can prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is osteochondroma cancerous?
  No, it’s a benign growth, but in rare cases, it can become cancerous. Regular monitoring helps detect any changes early.
• Will it affect my child’s growth?
  Usually, no. However, if the growth is near a growth plate, it may cause uneven limb lengths.
• Can it come back after surgery?
  Recurrence is rare, especially if the growth is completely removed.
• Does it always need surgery?
  No, if it’s painless and doesn’t interfere with movement, monitoring is sufficient. Surgery is only needed for symptoms or complications.