Bone islands

[Chapp]

I have had sore heels for the last few months and i have had an X-Ray done on both my feet.
The results on the X-Ray show i have 2 scleratic densities on my right foot and is highly suggestive of bone island.
Could some one please explain the meaning of this. My Doctor has now suggested I get a Nuclear Scan done on both my feet, but i dont want this done is there any alternative scan i can have?

Please help
S

[BetteB]

Can you enlighten on the matter of psychogenic causes of illness, especially those that manifest with physical symptoms. this is speculated as a potential dx for myself. I am not and never was the type of person to get sick all my life. I posted before my conditions occurring about 7 years ago: peripheral neuropathy, muscle swelling spasms in arms and legs, fasciculations all over muscles, very red face for no reason in sun, cramping in hands and feet arches, clawing fingers, atrophy of upper hands between thumbs and first fingers, bladder hesitation/weakness, ankle collapses with tendon ruptures, legs collapses, burning, numbing, electric shock: 220 volts as a child with hands orange/blue arc for 2-3 minutes or more. Now on CPAP for lung architecture issue. All blood work clear for muscle disorders, other types of ailments, mris with subcortical non-significant lesions 2 years post TBI, normal conduction studies, Had moderate TBI 5 years ago. tinnitus ever since, pupil size changes. I believe these manifestations to be more viral or something else, but am not a doctor, I just don't think it has been found and is not common. What does this sound like? Plus bone island is new. I am getting very discouraged as I have not been psychologically unstable or anything like that until MVA: mild depression, fatigue severe. What or do you know what this can be for symptoms? Virally for a long time maybe just coming up? West nile high rate in my area, not lyme, not lupus, not MS, stable ANA titers, spinal tap clear. Where to go from here? Thanks for input, BetteB

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There are certain tumors or growths which have been extensively studied since a long time. The tendency of a tumor to be benign or malignant depends on the cell structure within the tumor. Enchondromas are known to be benign. We have studies to back this fact and the cell structure also does not allow it to become malignant. You can go ahead with the scan. It is more informative than an x-ray.

Regards

[BetteB]

How is the bone island determined non-worrisome? As above with those tests? I had an xray only of it. Follow Chapp's advice? I will read the article, thanks for your time and help. BetteB

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Bone Island refers to Enchondroma. An enchondroma is a benign tumor. Since it is benign and not harmful, the doctrs must have told you there is nothing to worry about. The only worry usually is the cosmetic appearance. In such a case, it can be surgically removed.

Please read this article on Enchondroma -
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/tumors/g/enchondroma.htm

Regards

[BetteB]

What does the diagnosis mean if a bone island is present? I have one in my right lower leg. Doctor at the time thought it was nothing to worry about.


Thanks, BetteB

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

A nuclear scan will be appropriate for the condition. Bone islands are to be diagnosed. The nuclear scan will help in finding out the cause behind the growth, as rightly mentioned by Bob.

Regards

[BobbHilton]

Hello,
    It would be better to post your inquiry in the Ortopedic forum as they could give you a more detailed answer. But generally speaking a bone island in a pressure point area (weight bearing) could be due to 3 things
1- a normal variant
2- Granulomatous disease (type of a chronic infection)
3- or abnormal growth which will be detected on Nuclear scan

   God bless
   Bob Hilton