Periosteal Growths

Periosteal growths are pathological changes that appear on radiographs as growths or calcified areas on the surface of the bone. They arise as a result of proliferation (growth) of the cambial (germ) layer of the periosteum (the connective tissue membrane covering the bone).

The periosteum is an important organ that is involved in the formation, growth and regeneration of bones. It contains cells called osteoblasts, which are responsible for the formation of bone tissue. With periosteal growths, osteoblasts begin to actively multiply, which leads to an increase in the volume of the periosteum and the formation of growths on the surface of the bone.

The cause of the development of periosteal growths may be bone trauma, infectious diseases, tumors or other pathologies that cause inflammation of the periosteum. As a result of the proliferation of osteoblasts and the formation of new cells, calcification of the periosteum occurs, which appears on an x-ray as a growth or calcified area on the surface of the bone.

Periosteal growths can have different shapes and sizes, and their detection on x-rays allows the doctor to determine the presence of pathology and prescribe appropriate treatment. In some cases, such growths can cause pain and discomfort in the area of ​​the affected bone. Therefore, if you notice any changes on the surface of the bone in the form of growths on an x-ray, you need to consult a doctor for additional research and treatment.

Periosteal growths are what radiologists see as changes in the periosteal area of ​​the bone. They are detected on ordinary x-rays and are not directly related to the disease; rather, they are one of the manifestations of another disease or a normal condition. On X-rays, the growths during development look more like small pyramids with a fairly large number of edges. The “sick” fracture itself usually looks different. With it, fragments may be present on the x-ray, but overgrown areas may also be present at the same time.

Nobody knows for sure why they appear. And they can be caused by many changes in the body, such as incorrect posture, heart problems or improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and even atherosclerosis with arterial hypertension. Certain types of pathologies are associated with problems of the gallbladder and liver.

It is important to understand that growths usually appear on the lower bones, which are located close to the ground and do not have greater strength than what is located on it. As the overgrown tissue develops, it acquires the ability to deform, crumble, or calcify. In some cases, they are also capable of moving into muscles and/or bones. The causes of such manifestations in many young children 1-5 years old may be a dysfunction of thyroid hormones or other endocrine problems. Another peculiarity of children is their rather dense muscles, the volume of which is often confused with a change in the shape of the bone under the influence of a tumor. Also, the appearance of areas can be noticed during accelerated development of the skeleton, when it changes quickly: during puberty, under the influence of endocrine pathologies, during treatment with steroid and glucocorticoid drugs.

During the diagnosis, an x-ray is prescribed. With its help, the doctor can determine the presence of bone separation or new elements of the bone structure in the fracture area. The localization of pathological areas is of key importance. Most often during the study of bone structures