Ollier disease synonyms

Ollier disease, also known as enchondromatosis, is a rare non-hereditary skeletal disorder characterized by the development of multiple benign cartilage tumors called enchondromas. These tumors primarily affect the bones of the limbs, particularly the long bones such as the femur and tibia, but can also occur in other bones like the hands and feet.

Ollier disease is named after the French surgeon Louis Léopold Ollier, who first described the condition in the late 19th century. It is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 100,000 individuals, with no specific gender or ethnic predilection.

The synonyms for Ollier disease include:

• Enchondromatosis: This term refers to the presence of multiple enchondromas throughout the skeleton, which is the hallmark feature of Ollier disease.


• Multiple enchondromas: This describes the characteristic presentation of multiple benign cartilage tumors in various bones.


• Enchondromatosis with multiple enchondromas: This synonym emphasizes the combination of the disorder name and its defining feature.


• Multiple cartilaginous exostoses: Although this term is more commonly associated with a related condition called multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), it can sometimes be used interchangeably with Ollier disease due to the presence of multiple cartilage tumors.

It is important to note that while Ollier disease is generally benign, complications can arise. These may include skeletal deformities, limb length discrepancies, fractures, and a small risk of malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma.

Diagnosis of Ollier disease involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs, and potentially a biopsy to confirm the presence of enchondromas. Treatment options are primarily focused on managing complications and may involve surgical interventions, physical therapy, and regular monitoring for potential malignancy.