Osteochondroma
Pronunciation: os-tee-oh-kon-DROH-ma
The most common benign bone tumor in children, characterized by a cartilage-capped bony protrusion from the metaphysis.
Full Definition
Osteochondromas are benign bone tumors that arise from the metaphysis of long bones, consisting of mature bone with a cartilaginous cap. They represent the most common benign bone tumor in the pediatric population and typically develop during periods of rapid growth. On imaging, they appear as pedunculated or sessile bony projections with cortical and medullary continuity to the parent bone. The cartilaginous cap should measure less than 1.5 cm in adults, with thicker caps raising concern for malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma.
Usage
Usage note: Always comment on the cartilaginous cap thickness and continuity with parent bone.
In Context
- "MRI revealed a pedunculated osteochondroma with a 0.8 cm cartilaginous cap at the distal femur." — Bone tumor evaluation