Spontaneous resolution of a solitary osteochondroma of the distal femur: a case report and review of the literature

Osteochondromata are common, benign tumours mainly affecting long-bone metaphyses. They comprise 35% of all primary benign bone tumours and 8% of all bone tumours overall, although their true incidence is unknown as many remain undiagnosed. They can cause multiple symptoms including pain and referral for excision is not uncommon. What is less recognized is their potential for spontaneous regression, a phenomenon that renders excision surgery, with its potential risks, unnecessary. We present an illustrated case of a spontaneously resolved, solitary osteochondroma in a young male, highlighting that solitary osteochondromata can actually resolve and in the asymptomatic child, a period of watchful waiting can be an appropriate option, avoiding a potentially unnecessary surgical excision with recognized complications. (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.