Diagnostic Radiology/Musculoskeletal Imaging/Tumors Basic/Ollier disease
Ollier's Disease is a rare condition in which benign tumors form in developing bones and prevent proper bone growth. It is also known as Multiple Enchondromatosis. The condition was first described by French surgeon Louis Ollier (1830-1899).
In individuals with Ollier's disease, benign tumors called enchondromas form in the cartilage cells of the long bones, usually on one side of the body, preventing cartilage production, calcification and growth. As a result, bones
on one side of the body are shorter than on the other. The difference in length continues to increase until bone growth is completed, typically at adolescence. Other bones can be affected including, but not limited to pelvic, rib and skull. The bones are also more prone to fractures.
These tumors can become malignant (cancerous)in the form of chondrosarcoma. Therefore, periodic bone scans are recommended to detect possible malignancies early, and so limit the extent of the damage. Although the exact cause of Ollier's Disease is not known, it is believed to be a random spontaneous mutation.