What is osteochondroma?

       Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor. It may be a disorder of skeletal development rather than a true tumor and may originate from small cartilage nodules within the periosteum. The lesion consists of a bone mass, most often in the form of a tip, that gradually undergoes endochondral ossification formation from the growing cartilage cap.  Unlike true tumors, the growth of the lesion is synchronized with the patient’s development, and the growth of the lesion stops when the bone matures.  It is solitary in approximately 90% of patients. Osteochondromas can occur in any bone formed by chondrogenic bone, preferably in the epiphysis of long tubular bones near the epiphyseal plate. The most common sites are the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus, and rarely within the joint.  Most osteochondromas do not cause symptoms and are found only incidentally. Some patients may experience pain due to tumor irritation of the surrounding tissues, and fractures are usually rare. A mass may be palpable on physical examination.  Hereditary multiple exophytic osteochondroma is an autosomal dominant disease with a diverse presentation. The disease is caused by osteochondroma on multiple bones due to abnormal skeletal development. The distinctive feature is the presence of multiple exophytic bone warts, which may be accompanied by abnormal bone development. It is more common in males.  The diagnosis is usually made by radiographs, but sometimes CT or MRI is required to confirm the diagnosis. It is rarely malignant.  Indications for surgery: large tumors that affect aesthetics, compression of surrounding tissues causing symptoms, and suspected malignancy on imaging. Recurrence after surgery is extremely rare. Patients with hereditary multiple exophytic warts may require orthopedic osteotomy.