Diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis continua

  Osteogenesis continua is a developmental disorder of cartilage and a manifestation of multiple osteochondromatosis. It develops in childhood or young adulthood and is more common in males than females, approximately 3:1. In severe lesions, there is short stature, unequal limbs, and varying degrees of curvature of the affected bones. The literature reports a family history in 65% to 90% of cases. The forearm is the preferred site of lesion, with the tumor growing mostly on the distal ulna, followed by the distal radius, proximal radius and proximal ulna. As the tumor grows, the lesion gradually expands and involves the distal epiphyseal plate, affecting the normal development of the bone and even causing premature closure of the epiphysis, which leads to forearm shortening and bending deformity. As the deformity progresses, the child will experience restricted joint movement, joint instability and pain.