An analysis of indications for surgical excision and complications in 116 consecutive cases of osteochondroma.

The indications for surgery in 116 cases of osteochondroma included cosmetic problem in 38, pain (on hitting some object or continuous pain due to bursitis) in 50, pressure (on adjacent nerves) in 18, hindrances of joint movements in 8, fracture of the growth in 1 and malignant change in 1 patient. The complications of surgical excision included infection in 2 patients (which was controlled with antibiotics and dressings) and injury to posterior tibial artery in one case (which was repaired with the help of vascular surgeon immediately). In 94 patients, the tumour was excised before epiphyseal fusion (done carefully so as to prevent damage to the growth plate). It is not essential to wait until skeletal maturity as many patients want to get it excised as early as possible for cosmetic reasons. All the cases were relieved of their symptoms. There was no recurrence.