Epidemiology
A common benign bone tumor, typical of children and adolescents, arising near the growth plates. If there are many osteochondromas, new pain, or growth after skeletal maturity, it is worth evaluating a hereditary form or a local complication.
Basic features
An outward-growing prominence of bone and cartilage; it may rub against tendons or nerves, or form a painful bursa.
Usual treatment
An asymptomatic osteochondroma needs no treatment; it is worth seeking advice if new pain or growth appears after development is complete, because of the small risk of transformation. Removal is indicated for pain, deformity, compression, atypical growth, or diagnostic uncertainty.
Outcomes and prognosis
The outlook is excellent. Malignant transformation into secondary chondrosarcoma is rare in solitary lesions and somewhat more frequent in hereditary multiple disease, where it is estimated at around 2–10%; recurrence after complete removal is low.