There are certain dangers associated with non-removal of osteochondromas. If the osteochondroma is not removed, it may cause pain, pathologic fracture, deformity or malignant changes.
1. Pain: when the osteochondroma grows to a certain extent, it may further compress the surrounding tendons or nerves, which will cause the patient’s activities to be restricted and pain.
2. Pathological fracture: the growth of osteochondroma will destroy the healthy bone quality, further destroying the normal structure of the bone, and the fracture is more likely to occur when the lesion is compressed during activities.
3. Deformity: when the volume of osteochondroma grows to a large size, the local structural integrity will be damaged, and bone and joint deformity may occur, such as knee valgus, finger deformity and so on.
4. Possibility of malignant transformation: Osteochondroma occurring in flat bone, especially in pelvis and scapula, has a higher chance of malignant transformation, and should be resected in time if possible.
If patients have osteochondroma, it is suggested that they should go to the hospital in time for examination and targeted treatment according to their specific conditions, so as to avoid aggravation of the condition and causing serious harm.