Osteochrondroma

Bones and joints are some of the scariest places to have injuries or any other medical-

related issues. They are the basis of human movement. Specifically, the knees are essential for many human functions, including walking, running, jumping, squatting, etc. When a problem appears in the knees, it can be especially worrisome. One such problem is a condition known as osteochondroma.

Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage or bone that occurs on the growth plate

present within the knee. Fortunately, this condition is noncancerous, despite its common

appearances in people ages 10 to 30. It is unknown as to what exactly causes this condition, as

there is one type that is inherited, and another that isn’t. Symptoms of this growth include a

visibly hard, yet painless mass that appears, pressure or irritation in exercise, the appearance of

one leg seeming to be longer than the other, and soreness of nearby muscles. This condition is

also associated with people who are generally shorter than they should be for their age.

There are three primary methods that can be used to diagnose osteochondroma. One

method is through an MRI. Large magnets and radio-frequencies are used with a computer to

create detailed images of organs and structures in the body. These images can then be used to

determine whether an unusual growth is present on a growth plate. Another method of

identification and diagnosis is through an x-ray. Invisible electromagnetic beams are used to

create images of tissues, bones, and organs. Similarly to the MRI, these images are also then

used to determine the presence of an unknown growth. The third method used to identify and

diagnose osteochondroma is through a CT scan. In this test, X-rays and computers are used to

make images (slices) of the body. These scans show detailed images of any part of the body.

Although osteochondroma can be detrimental to certain lifestyles in the short term, it is

fixable through some treatments that are determined based on age, medical history, existing

illnesses, as well as tolerance to certain medicines. Usual forms of treatment include surgery to

completely remove the mass or medicines that can help numb pain that may be caused by the

growth. Osteochondroma, while it isn’t necessarily preferred, is mostly harmless and can be

dealt with quite easily.