Exostosectomy

What is Exostosectomy?

Exostosectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove exostoses, which are abnormal bone growths (or “bone spurs”) that develop on bone surfaces. These growths can occur in various parts of the body, including the hand, foot, knee, and skull. The goal of exostosectomy is to relieve pain, improve function, and restore aesthetic appearance in the affected area.

Indications for Exostosectomy

Exostosectomy is indicated in various situations, including:

Pain and Discomfort: When the exostosis causes significant pain that interferes with daily activities.
Functional Impairment: If the exostosis affects mobility or function of a joint or body part.

Symptoms that May Justify Exostosectomy

Symptoms that may lead to the decision to perform exostosectomy include:

Localized Pain: Persistent pain in the area where the exostosis develops.
Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling around the exostosis and sensitivity to pressure.
Movement Difficulty: Difficulty moving the joint or body part affected by the exostosis.

Exostosectomy Procedure

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: Patient undergoes local or general anesthesia, depending on exostosis location and complexity.
Incision: An incision is made over the exostosis area to expose the bone growth.
Exostosis Removal: Surgeon carefully removes the exostosis, avoiding damage to bone tissue or adjacent structures.

Recovery from Exostosectomy

Recovery after exostosectomy may include:

Rest and Immobilization: Patient may need to rest the affected area and, in some cases, use a splint or boot for immobilization.
Pain Control: Use of painkillers to manage post-operative pain.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapist may recommend exercises to restore strength and mobility, especially if the exostosis affected a joint.
Medical Follow-up: Regular consultations to monitor recovery and ensure the area is healing properly.

Conclusion

Exostosectomy is an effective procedure for removing abnormal bone growths that cause pain or impair normal joint function. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many patients achieve significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. If you have symptoms related to an exostosis, it’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan.