Definition

Arm exostosis is a bony growth in the upper arm, and usually occurs as a result of repeatd injury or trauma in the same area. This bony growth can be mistaken for a bone tumor.

Parts Involved

• upper arm bone (humerus)

• soft tissues that surround the exostosis such as nerves, blood vessels, periosteum, connective tissue, and lymph

Signs & Symptoms

• Normally there is no signs & symptoms for mild cases of exostosis

• in the area of the exostosis there is pain and tenderness

• sensitivity in the upper arm in the area of the exostosis

• palpable change in the shape of the bone that lies under the skin

Causes

Arm exostosis is a result of repeated injury such as contusion to the same area over time.

Risks

• contact sports

• any direct blows to the upper arm

• dificiencies in the diet resulting in vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Prevention

The best way to prevent an arm exostosis from happening to you would be to allow proper time for recovery from any arm injury, and avoid getting another arm injury in the same area if possible. If one is playing contact sports then it is important to have proper padding or equipment covering the arm especially the upper arm to prevent blows to the arm. As always it is important that you warm up before any activity or sport as this decreases the risk of injury, and the less injuries you get to your arm the less chance you have of developing an arm exostosis.

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