What Are Bone Islands in the Knee?

A bone island is better known as a enchondroma in medicine. An enchondroma is a tumor found in cartilage in the arms and legs. Patients that have several enchondromas are said to have Olliers disease.

Causes

• It is unknown what causes bone islands, but there is a link between being exposed to chemicals or radiation.

Diagnosis

• Bone islands are found through an X-ray. Diagnosis is critical since the enchondroma could be cancerous or become cancerous.

Symptoms

• Bone Islands are typically asymptomatic, not causing any pain for the patient. But tumors may be painful and, if so, concerns arise as to whether they are cancerous, especially when pain is felt at night.

Age

• Bone islands are typically found in patients who are 10 to 20 years old.

Treatment

• Bone islands do not require treatment, but a doctor may want to keep a careful eye on the islands. Bone islands can be removed through surgery if the patient has symptoms, but there is a chance they reoccur.