Resection of an osteochondroma is recommended when located in which anatomical site?

• A. Older patients
• B. Patients with history of cancer
• C. When located in pelvis
• D. For all symptomatic lesions

Answer: (A)

Osteochondromas are benign bone outgrowths that typically grow during childhood and stop after skeletal maturity. The main point in management is whether the lesion is causing problems or there’s concern for malignant change. In younger patients, you often watch and wait to avoid disturbing growth plates, unless there are symptoms. In older patients, growth has already completed, so if the lesion is painful, causing functional limitation, compressing nearby structures, or there’s suspicion of malignant transformation, resection is more appropriate because removing a non‑growing lesion is safer and more definitive. So, when the question asks about a scenario in which resection is recommended, the situation of an older patient with an osteochondroma that is symptomatic or clinically concerning fits best: the lesion is unlikely to grow further and surgical excision can relieve symptoms and address potential malignant concerns.