Osteochondroma natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]

If left untreated, patients with osteochondroma may progress to develop overlying bursitis, vascular compromise, and rise to malignant chondrosarcoma. Common complications of osteochondroma include fracture, osseous deformation, and growth arrest. Prognosis is generally regarded as good after surgical excision. The recurrence rate of osteochondroma is 2%.^[1]

• Most patients with osteochondroma are initially asymptomatic.^[2]
• The symptoms of osteochondroma usually develop in the first and second decade of life, and initially patients complain of bone pain that is increased upon activity.
• If left untreated, patients with osteochondroma may develop a palpable lump, bursitis, and malignant transformation.^[1]

• Common complications of osteochondroma, include:^[3]

• Bone fracture
• Growth arrest
• Osseous deformation
• Pseudoaneurysm
• Cosmetic deformities
• Impingement on adjacent structures
• Secondary arthritis

• Osteochondroma prognosis is generally regarded good after surgical excision.^[4]
• The overall recurrence rate after resection is 2%.^[1]
• The prognosis for malignant transformation of osteochondroma will depend on the histological grade, such as:^[2]

• The 10-year survival rate of patients with grade I chondrosarcoma is approximately 83%
• The 10-year survival rate of patients with grade III chondrosarcoma is approximately 29%

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