Botuitgroei

Botuitgroei, literally “bone outgrowth,” is a medical term used in Dutch to describe an abnormal projection of bone from the surface of a bone. In English medical literature this condition is usually referred to as exostosis or as an osteophyte (bone spur). Botuitgroei can occur in various contexts, from normal growth in children to pathological processes in adults.

Causes and context. It may be congenital, as in genetic conditions such as hereditary multiple exostoses, or acquired through trauma, chronic irritation, degenerative joint disease, or repetitive stress. Inflammation or infection can also contribute to bone outgrowths.

Clinical features. Many lesions are asymptomatic and found incidentally on imaging. When they are large or located near a joint or soft tissues, they can cause pain, mechanical symptoms, limited range of motion, or a noticeable lump.

Diagnosis. Evaluation combines medical history and physical examination with imaging studies such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine size, location, and relationship to nearby structures. A biopsy may be indicated if there are suspicious features to exclude malignancy, especially when growth shows rapid change or unusual characteristics.

Treatment and prognosis. Asymptomatic botuitgroei generally requires no treatment. Symptomatic lesions or those causing functional impairment are often removed surgically. Addressing any underlying conditions is important. Recurrence can occur, particularly in hereditary forms, and malignant transformation is possible though uncommon, with rare cases reported in hereditary exostoses.

Etymology and terminology. In Dutch the term is botuitgroei; in English, exostosis and osteophyte are the commonly used terms.