Osteochondroma

Osteochondroma is the overgrowth of cartilage and bone at the extremities of the bone near the growth plate. Long bone of the leg, the shoulder blade and the pelvis are mostly affected by this condition. The is a non cancerous bone growth and is common in ages between 10 and 30. Both male and females are equally affected by Osteochondroma. The exact cause of the condition is unknown and it is considered to be inherited. Some studies have concluded it is related to the gene called EXT 1 but the reason of defect of this gene causing this condition is not fully understood and research into this topic is ongoing. The common symptoms of osteochondroma are a hard mass that is painless with no movement, stunted height for age, difference in length of arms, irritation while exercising, muscle soreness. People generally do not have any symptoms but if they do they are diagnosed like other common medical conditions. Diagnosis of the condition will involve looking at you medical history followed by a physical exam by way of x-ray, CT scan or a MRI scan. The best way of treatment will be decided by your physician depending on age, general health and medical history, extent of condition, comfort of specific medicine and how long the condition might be present. The treatment may be by surgical removal or pain control medicines. If there is no increase of the over growth and bone weakening the doctor might want to observe it over a specific time with careful follow up.