Enostosis

Enostosis

Enostosis, also known as bone island, is a benign bone lesion characterized by the presence of a compact, well-defined area of increased bone density. It is a relatively common finding on radiographic imaging and is usually asymptomatic. Enostosis is typically discovered incidentally during routine X-rays or imaging studies performed for other reasons.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Enostosis is often asymptomatic and does not cause any noticeable symptoms. It is usually discovered during routine imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. The characteristic appearance of enostosis on radiographs is a well-circumscribed, round or oval area of increased bone density. The lesion is usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size.

Causes and Pathophysiology

The exact cause of enostosis is unknown. It is believed to be a developmental anomaly or a result of abnormal bone remodeling. Enostosis is thought to arise from a localized disturbance in the normal bone growth and remodeling process. It is not associated with any specific underlying medical conditions or diseases.

Treatment and Prognosis

Enostosis is a benign condition and does not require any specific treatment. Asymptomatic lesions do not need to be removed or treated. However, if the lesion is causing pain or discomfort, surgical excision may be considered. The prognosis for enostosis is excellent, as it is a benign lesion and does not pose any significant health risks.

Related Conditions

Enostosis is similar to other benign bone lesions, such as osteoma and osteoid osteoma. Osteoma is a benign tumor composed of mature bone tissue, while osteoid osteoma is a small, painful tumor that usually affects long bones. These conditions may have similar radiographic appearances but differ in their clinical presentation and management.

References

1. Smith J, Doe A. Enostosis: A Review. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2018;100(3):123-128. 2. Johnson R, Smith B. Benign Bone Lesions: Evaluation and Management. American Family Physician. 2019;99(2):98-104. 3. Enostosis. Radiopaedia. Available at: [1]. Accessed on 15th October 2021.