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What is Osteochondroma?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sai kishan Sirasala , Orthopedics
Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumour that commonly develops near the growth plates of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, or humerus. It affects the skeletal system and typically consists of both bone and cartilage.
What are the Symptoms of Osteochondroma?
Osteochondroma often develops during childhood or adolescence and may go unnoticed if it doesn't cause pain or interfere with movement. However, recognizing the symptoms early can help prevent complications, especially if the tumour presses on nearby tissues or nerves.
Common Symptoms
- Painless lump or bump near a joint (often the knee or shoulder)
- Restricted joint movement
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Numbness or tingling due to nerve compression
- Muscle weakness near the affected area
What are the Different Types of Osteochondroma?
Osteochondroma is generally classified into two main types.
- Solitary Osteochondroma: This is the most common type, involving a single bone growth. It typically develops near the growth plate of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, or humerus, and is often found in children and adolescents.
- Multiple Hereditary Exostoses (MHE): A rare genetic condition where multiple osteochondromas form on various bones. It often runs in families and may cause limb deformities, joint problems, or unequal limb lengths due to disrupted bone growth and development.
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Osteochondroma?
Osteochondroma is a non-cancerous bone growth that usually appears in kids and teenagers. While many people may never notice symptoms, it's helpful to understand what might cause it and who is more likely to get it.
Causes of Osteochondroma
These are the reasons why osteochondroma may develop.
- Genetic Changes: Some people are born with a gene change (especially in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes) that leads to multiple bone growths.
- Abnormal Bone Development: A minor issue during bone growth, especially around the growth plates, can lead to a bony bump.
- Inherited Conditions: If someone in your family has a condition called Multiple Hereditary Exostoses (MHE), you may also be at risk.
Risk Factors for Osteochondroma
These are things that increase the chances of having osteochondroma.
- Age: It typically appears during childhood or the teenage years, when bones are still growing.
- Gender: Boys tend to get it a bit more often than girls.
- Family History: If it runs in the family, especially with MHE, the chances go up.
- Growth Spurts: Rapid bone growth during puberty may make osteochondromas more noticeable.
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Get Second OpinionHow is Osteochondroma Diagnosed?
Osteochondroma is often found when someone notices a hard bump near a joint, usually during childhood or teenage years. Even though it's usually harmless, a proper diagnosis helps doctors make sure it's not something more serious.
Here's what the diagnostic process usually includes:
- Physical Exam: The doctor gently checks the lump, feels for its size and shape, and asks about any pain or movement issues.
- X-rays: A basic and effective test to spot the bone growth and see how big it is.
- MRI Scan: This gives a closer look at the cartilage cap and helps doctors rule out any rare complications.
- CT Scan: Used if the lump is near joints or the spine, giving detailed 3D images of the bone.
- Bone Scan(only in rare cases): May be done if there's concern about multiple growths or unusual activity in the bone.
What are the Treatment Options for Osteochondroma?
Osteochondroma is often harmless and doesn't always need treatment. But if it causes pain, limits movement, or presses on nerves, it's important to take action.
Common Treatment Options
Observation and Monitoring
- When it's used: If the growth is small, painless, and not affecting movement.
- What to expect: Regular checkups with X-rays to track changes over time.
- Timeline: Monitoring continues until bone growth stops (usually around age 18 to 20).
Pain Management
- When it's used: For mild discomfort or irritation caused by nearby tissues.
- Options include: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Note: This is temporary relief; it doesn't shrink the bone growth.
Surgical Removal
- When it's needed: Persistent pain, limited movement, nerve issues, or suspicious changes may signal a serious condition and should be checked by a doctor.
- Procedure: Surgery involves carefully removing the growth and, in some cases, reshaping the bone.
When to See a Doctor?
Osteochondroma is often harmless, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Some signs require a closer examination, especially if the bump begins to cause discomfort or changes over time. Knowing when to visit a doctor can help prevent future problems.
Don't ignore it if you notice
- The lump is getting bigger or changing shape
- You feel pain, especially while walking or moving the joint
- There's numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or leg
- You're having trouble moving the joint near the bump
- The area around the lump is swollen or red
If the lump has been there for over two weeks and you notice any of the signs above, it's best to get it checked. Even if it's not painful, any sudden change is worth a visit to the doctor.
Who should get checked sooner?
- Children and teens with fast-growing bumps
- Anyone with a family history of bone growth conditions like MHE
- People feel nerve-related symptoms like tingling or weakness
- Adults who notice a new lump forming after their growth phase
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Osteochondroma vs. Other Bone Tumors
It is essential to differentiate osteochondroma from other bone tumors, as treatment and prognosis can vary significantly. Osteochondromas are benign and typically have a good prognosis, while other bone tumors, such as osteosarcoma, can be malignant and require more aggressive treatment.
Key Differences
- Benign vs. Malignant: Osteochondromas are benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant bone tumors, like osteosarcoma, can spread (metastasize) and are more dangerous.
- Growth Pattern: Osteochondromas grow slowly and often stop growing once a person reaches adulthood. Malignant tumors tend to grow rapidly and aggressively.
- Symptoms: While osteochondromas are often asymptomatic, malignant tumors usually cause more severe symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, and fractures.
What is the Recovery Process After Osteochondroma Treatment?
Recovering from osteochondroma treatment takes time, but with the right care, most people heal well and return to everyday life. Whether you had surgery or are being monitored, knowing what to expect can make recovery smoother.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Regular Checkups: Your doctor will schedule visits usually after 2 weeks, then monthly, to see how you're healing and to ensure there's no regrowth.
- Imaging Tests: Follow-up X-rays or MRIs may be done to track recovery, especially if the lump was removed surgically.
- For Children and Teens: Children may require longer follow-ups to monitor the growth of the bone over time, especially if the growth occurred near a joint.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Take It Easy: Rest is essential. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery.
- Gentle Movement Helps: Light stretching or movement, as guided by your doctor or physiotherapist, can prevent stiffness.
- Eat for Bone Strength: Include calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, and leafy greens, plus enough protein to support healing.
- Watch for Signs: If you notice unusual swelling, pain, or numbness, talk to your doctor right away.
Our Experience in Treating Osteochondroma
At Medicover Hospitals, we understand that even a non-cancerous bone growth, such as osteochondroma, can bring worry and discomfort, especially for young patients and their families.
Over the years, we've supported countless individuals through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with compassion and care. Our team of experienced orthopaedic doctors, pediatric specialists, and physiotherapists work together to provide safe treatment plans.
