Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Osteochondroma?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

An osteochondroma is an abnormal growth that appears near the end of a bone. The condition is benign and does not usually cause symptoms, though a large tumor may irritate joint tissue or constrict blood vessels and nerves. Depending on underlying genetic factors, a person may have a single osteochondroma near a major joint or several masses throughout the body. Asymptomatic tumors do not typically require medical care, but surgery is needed if a mass causes joint pain, numbness, or a bone fracture.

Most osteochondromas appear near growth plates, sections of tissue at the ends of bones that promote hardening of new bone cells. Tumors act much like growth plates, producing new cartilage and bone tissue that build up in a hard mass. Since bone growth is most active during adolescence, an osteochondroma is most likely to develop in a person between the ages of 10 and 18. A tumor rarely arises after the age of 30, though a childhood osteochondroma may not be detected until adulthood if it does not cause symptoms.

A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in major joints, such as the wrist.
A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in major joints, such as the wrist.

Doctors have identified several potential causes of osteochondromas. Single lesions typically arise after direct trauma to growth plates during periods of active bone development. A person who has multiple tumors usually has an underlying genetic condition, called hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), that was passed down from one or both parents. Abnormal growth plate activity related to HME can lead to the development of dozens or even hundreds of osteochondromas in a developing child or adolescent.

A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in the knee.
A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in the knee.

A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in the knee, hip, ankle, wrist, or another major body joint. If a tumor impedes on blood vessels or nerves, it can lead to clots, muscle weakness, and frequent episodes of tingling or numbness. Rarely, a growth can put enough pressure on the bone to cause a painful fracture. In most cases, however, osteochondromas do not become big enough to cause physical symptoms.

An osteochondroma is an abnormal growth that appears near the end of the bone.
An osteochondroma is an abnormal growth that appears near the end of the bone.

Asymptomatic osteochondromas often remain undetected until patients undergo x-rays for unrelated problems. When a tumor is discovered, a doctor usually performs a series of diagnostic imaging tests to study it carefully and check for additional lesions. A tissue sample may be extracted and analyzed to make sure it is not malignant. Treatment decisions are made based on the size, location, number, and symptoms of existing tumors.

Surgery will be needed if an osteochondroma is causing joint pain, numbness, or a bone fracture.
Surgery will be needed if an osteochondroma is causing joint pain, numbness, or a bone fracture.

Most patients do not need treatment for osteochondromas. Doctors simply suggest they schedule regular checkups to make sure the condition does not worsen. If a tumor causes pain and swelling, a patient may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for further inspection. Surgery typically involves manually removing the tumor, mending healthy bone and cartilage, and ensuring that the growth plate itself is not damaged. Surgical procedures are relatively straightforward and have a very high success rate, and tumors are unlikely to reappear after they are removed.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in major joints, such as the wrist.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in major joints, such as the wrist.
    • A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in the knee.
      By: .shock
      A large osteochondroma can cause pain and inflammation in the knee.
    • An osteochondroma is an abnormal growth that appears near the end of the bone.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      An osteochondroma is an abnormal growth that appears near the end of the bone.
    • Surgery will be needed if an osteochondroma is causing joint pain, numbness, or a bone fracture.
      By: Kot63
      Surgery will be needed if an osteochondroma is causing joint pain, numbness, or a bone fracture.
    • An osteochondroma is most likely in a person between the ages of 10 and 18.
      By: stillkost
      An osteochondroma is most likely in a person between the ages of 10 and 18.
    • A large osteochondroma may cause a painful wrist fracture.
      By: iceteastock
      A large osteochondroma may cause a painful wrist fracture.
    • In some cases, an osteochondroma may put enough pressure on the bone to cause a fracture that requires a surgical repair.
      By: Dario Sabljak
      In some cases, an osteochondroma may put enough pressure on the bone to cause a fracture that requires a surgical repair.