How long does exostosis surgery take?
The operation takes 1-3 hours depending on the size and shape of the bony growth, the ear canal and the jaw joint. You will go home the same day or the next day.
Is exostosis surgery painful?
Exostosis, also called osteoma, is a benign growth of new bone on top of existing bone. It can occur in many parts of the body. When the exostosis is covered with cartilage, it’s called an osteochondroma. Exostosis can be painless, or it can cause severe pain and require surgical removal.
What is exostosis surgery?
An exostectomy is the surgical removal of a bony prominence / outgrowth (exostosis). The aim of the surgery is to remove the bony prominence and reduce pain and deformity as a result.
Is Surfer’s ear surgery painful?
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis in our office – no hospital visit and patients can go home the same day. It is usually not too painful following surgery and that most patients return to work within 2-3 days. During recovery, water can not be allowed to enter the ear canal – meaning no swimming or surfing.
What causes exostosis in the ear?
Surfer’s ear or external auditory exostoses (EAE) is a slowly progressive disease caused by benign bone growth resulting from chronic cold water exposure. It is most classically associated with surfing but can be seen in any individual who is repeatedly exposed to cold water.
Is Surfer’s ear permanent?
Exostosis / surfer’s ear is not necessarily harmful by itself, but constriction of the ear canal makes it difficult to drain water and ear wax and other debris can get trapped within the ear canal, which may lead to painful and repeated ear infections. These ongoing infections can result in permanent hearing loss.
Can exostosis be removed?
Tori & Exostosis Removal These are normal growths of bone and many patients have them and do not require any intervention. However, when these bony growths get so large that they impair normal function and esthetics they may require surgical removal.
Can exostosis cause hearing loss?
External auditory canal (EAC) exostoses are multiple, benign bony growths within the external auditory canal in response to repeated exposure to cold water. They can cause conductive hearing loss and recurrent otitis externa [1].
How long is recovery from surfers ear surgery?
The recovery period is at least a month. During this time period, water should not enter the ear canal – meaning no swimming or surfing. If ear plugs are not worn after the ear canals have healed (after surgery), the bony growths can return. It will take several years for that to occur, but it will probably occur.
Is exostosis a tumor?
What is an osteochondroma? Osteochondroma is the most common type of non-cancerous (benign) bone tumor. An osteochondroma is a hard mass of cartilage and bone that generally appears near the growth plate (a layer of cartilage at the ends of a child’s long bones).
How can exostosis be prevented?
The best way to prevent the development or progression of exostosis is to use earplugs while swimming or surfing in ocean waters. At ChEARS Hearing Center, we offer custom earplugs for surfers and swimmers.
What problems do exostosis cause?
Further bone growth related to exostosis can ultimately cause pain, discomfort, and blockages of air, mucus, or earwax, depending upon where the exostosis is located. Those with surfer’s ear may also develop complications. The bony growths can cause the ear canal to become blocked, trapping water and earwax inside.