Exostosis

Under exostosis (from the Latin ex, out ' and os, bone ' ) refers to a defined new bone formation of compact bone substance ( Compacta ) with growth outward ( vernacular: " ganglion "). The exostosis is one of the hyperostosis, and on the one hand as a hyperplastic response ( response to a stimulus, such as pressure on this point, overuse of a tendon insertion or inflammation of the periosteum ) occur and is then referred to as osteophyte. On the other hand, they may also arise as a benign tumor ( osteoma ), where usually a slow growth tendency.

Exostoses may occur at a variety of bone, typically, for example,

• Subungual exostosis ( under the nails )
• (Pseudo) Exostosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint (at the head of the first metatarsal bone - in conjunction with a hallux valgus: The deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint looks like an exostosis of the unprejudiced observer, in reality it is only the wrong standing joint. )
• Kalkaneussporn, Haglund's deformity ( the heel bone )
• Exostosebecken ( "thorn pool " ) ( in the pelvis )
• Gehörgangsexostose ( in the ear canal )
• Cartilaginous exostoses / Ekchondrome / osteochondromas ( cartilaginous have a preformed portion and are often formed at the ends of long bones such as the tibia or the femur ).
• Mandibular exostoses (on the inside of the lower jaw )

As a generalized disorder occur exostoses in hereditary dysplasia exostotica (synonyms Osteoplasia exostotica, multiple cartilaginous exostoses ) on. In this disease there is a clear tendency for recurrence, which subsides only in the higher age of the person concerned. A malignant dedifferentiation of this type of exostoses is not completely excluded.

Depending on the location it comes to pain, inflammation and possibly functional disorders. For example, it comes to the reduction of hearing in Gehörgangsexostosen. If cartilaginous exostoses grow in the course of a muscle that can lead to significant functional disability. It can happen that way terminates a ingrown into the muscle exostosis with a strong tension of the muscle. This then has similar consequences as a fracture with severe swelling of the affected limb and high blood loss.

If as a result of exostoses such problems, the therapy consists in a Abmeißelung the excess bone. It should consider whether the harmless in itself exostosis is more difficult than the expected scar. Under local anesthesia ( local anesthesia ) or general anesthesia is achieved, the tissue above the exostosis, then the bone is removed with a drill or chisel, sealed the cut to the bone with a special wax and the wound is closed again. The external wound should be healed in about 14 days, to freedom from illness, it may take longer.