An enostosis( also called a bone islet) is a tumor-like, benign formation, in the form of a kind of nodule like a tumor.
Its size can reach from 2 to 20 mm, and very rarely - up to 50 mm.
This bundle is associated with the bone cortical layer, consists of lamellar tissue and has a fairly well developed system of Havers channels. Its development occurs in the inner part of the bone. Most often occurs in children and in young people under 35 years.
It can be either single, or fill the whole intraosseous cavity, for example, with the diagnosis of osteopykilosis or spotted bone.
Features of the pathology
A distinctive feature of the enostosis is also the presence around it of spicules - these are small peculiar "spikes" that resemble a border in the form of a brush growing from the outer layer of the bone.
These "thorns" can consist of fibrous or lamellar bone, there are cases of a combination of both.
An enostosis can appear in any bone:
- is often found in the spine;
- of the thighs;
- in the ilium;
- in the phalanges of the fingers.
Another name for this tumor is osteoma. It can consist of spongy bone tissue - spongy osteoma, or compact, dense bone - compact.
Some sources indicate that an enostosis is also called focal osteosclerosis. This disease, in which there is a significant increase in bone density due to the thickening of its very substance and bone septa and plates.
The cause of its development can be inflammatory processes of bones, intoxications, arthrosis, a number of genetically determined diseases and as a result of skeletal injuries.
Where does the true cause of the disease lie?
The disease develops as a result of a number of diseases associated with pathologies of bone tissue: syphilis, osteomyelitis in chronic form, marble disease and others.
The reason for the appearance of an enostosis in half the cases may be genetic predisposition, as it is inherited from the next of kin.
May also develop with injuries and increased mechanical stress. 
An enostosis is the first symptom of a disorder in the presence of a patient of all kinds of bone diseases. The appearance of this bone nodule can determine the nature of the existing disease.
For example, if the enostosis is limited and does not have a structure, with blurred contours - this is a sign of the osteoplastic form of the osteogenic sarcoma;with the development of marble disease there is a sharp narrowing in the cavity of the bone or the marrow canal completely disappears.
If the spongy substance has a multifocal seal of the structure, this indicates the development of osteopyolia.
When examining a specialist, it is determined not only the presence of bone islands, but also by its appearance and structure, a conclusion is made about the disease that triggered its onset.
Difficulty of symptomatology
Usually, the enostosis proceeds asymptomatically, it is found by chance during X-ray, radionuclide and other types of examination. Often, the doctor prescribes the procedure without knowing about the existence of a bone tumor.
And if found, the specialist should examine the picture, and determine the characteristics of this bone nodule.
This will help in the subsequent formulation of the correct diagnosis and elucidation of the true causes of the onset of tumor formation.
When treatment is needed
On photo Enostosis of rib
Treatment for the detection of enostoses is not assigned, since this symptom is not dangerous. If it does, it is very slow.
An enostosis is considered a benign disease and does not cause discomfort to the patient. Moreover, it does not develop by itself.
It is necessary to apply the treatment for the illness that caused it.
Education is clinically not a threat, it does not cause anxiety, does not cause pain and discomfort.
Pathology develops over a long period, so the disease, which it shows, can be in a progressive state.
Modern research centers continue to conduct research and further study of the disease, its clinical characteristics and developmental features.
Also conducted are examinations of patients with focal enostosis to find out the reasons for its occurrence.
