INTRODUCTION: Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor in children and young adults, typically localized in the metaphyseal regions of long bones. Osteochondromas rarely undergo malignant transformation, and cartilage cap thickness is an important factor in assessing this risk. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, clinical and radiological characteristics, necessity for surgical intervention, and malignant transformation potential of osteochondroma cases in the pediatric population.
METHODS: This retrospective observational study included pediatric patients diagnosed with osteochondroma between 2015 and 2024. Demographic data, tumor localization, size, number of lesions, clinical symptoms, treatment methods, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 11.4 years. The most common age range for diagnosis was 10–14 years. Osteochondroma was more prevalent in males (62.7%). The most frequently affected sites were the distal femur (26.9%) and proximal tibia (26.9%). The mean long axis of the tumors was 27.7 mm, and the mean short axis was 15.3 mm. The majority of cases (89.5%) were solitary. The mean cartilage cap thickness was measured as 4.95 mm.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are consistent with the literature, highlighting the significance of age, sex, localization, tumor size, and cartilage cap thickness in the diagnosis and follow-up of osteochondroma. The critical role of cartilage cap thickness in assessing malignant transformation risk has been confirmed. These data are expected to guide clinical management.