What are the symptoms of exostosis?
Exostosis can cause chronic pain or irritation, depending on its size and location. Sometimes, cartilage will grow over an area of exostosis, which is called osteochondroma….Symptoms
- stiffness.
- bowed arms or legs.
- shorter height than average.
- pain, especially with movement.
- limbs of different lengths.
What is an exostosis?
An exostosis is an extra growth of bone that extends outward from an existing bone. Common types of exostoses include bone spurs, which are bony growths also known as osteophytes. An exostosis can occur on any bone, but is often found in the feet, hip region, or ear canal.
How long does it take to develop exostosis?
Most patients develop the surfer’s ear in their mid-30s. Exostoses present as small bony lumps within the external ear canal. These lumps are very slow growing and typically take years to develop. They develop as thin layers of bone growth due to the stimulation of cold water or air.
Is surfers ear surgery painful?
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis in our office – no hospital visit and patients can go home the same day. It is usually not too painful following surgery and that most patients return to work within 2-3 days. During recovery, water can not be allowed to enter the ear canal – meaning no swimming or surfing.
Is exostosis removal painful?
Exostosis, also called osteoma, is a benign growth of new bone on top of existing bone. It can occur in many parts of the body. When the exostosis is covered with cartilage, it’s called an osteochondroma. Exostosis can be painless, or it can cause severe pain and require surgical removal.
What is excision of exostosis?
An exostectomy is the surgical removal of a bony prominence / outgrowth (exostosis). The aim of the surgery is to remove the bony prominence and reduce pain and deformity as a result.
What does surfers ear feel like?
Those with a surfer’s ear can feel as if their ear is plugged. It can feel itchy inside the ear. As more bone growth narrows the ear canal, it can be more difficult to get water out of your ear after swimming or surfing. One of the telltale symptoms is recurring ear infections.
How do you cure a surfer ear?
The only way to treat surfer’s ears definitively is to surgically remove the bony growths. The procedure is most commonly performed through the ear canal using very small chisels. Occasionally, a drill will be used to remove the growths. The drill is only used for the growths that are close to the ear drum.
How long is recovery from surfers ear surgery?
The recovery period is at least a month. During this time period, water should not enter the ear canal – meaning no swimming or surfing. If ear plugs are not worn after the ear canals have healed (after surgery), the bony growths can return. It will take several years for that to occur, but it will probably occur.
Can exostosis cause hearing loss?
With continued exposure to cold wind and water, exostosis will get worse. If the swellings narrow your ear canal too much, wax and water can get trapped in the ear, which can cause infection and hearing loss.