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What is a Nonossifying Fibroma?

T. Broderick
T. Broderick

A nonossifying fibroma is a non-malignant tumor that occurs in adolescents and children. The fibroma is always found near the end of the long bones, usually those in the legs. Though a fibroma causes little to no pain, large fibromas increase the chance of bone fracture, especially if the adolescent participates in a physical activity such as sports. Only large fibromas that cause intense pain or fracture need to be removed through surgery. In most cases, though, a fibroma will disappear as the adolescent continues to grow.

It is not yet clear why some adolescents develop this condition. One theory is that while a child is developing in the womb, blood flow within the long bones is misdirected. Though other theories try to explain the root cause, the medical community agrees that the condition is caused by a developmental defect. As a nonossifying fibroma takes time to develop, it is not possible to test for the condition immediately after birth.

Fibromas increase the chance of bone fracture, especially if a child participates in sports.
Fibromas increase the chance of bone fracture, especially if a child participates in sports.

Symptoms of a nonossifying fibroma are rare or nonexistent. Most adolescents who have a fibroma never know it, though in some cases an adolescent may complain of an aching feeling in a joint. With a large fibroma, the most common symptom is bone fracture during a physical activity. A post-fracture x-ray can confirm the presence of this kind of fibroma.

X-rays may confirm the presence of a nonossifying fibroma.
X-rays may confirm the presence of a nonossifying fibroma.

Treating a nonossifying fibroma depends on both the adolescent's present health and the nature of the fibroma. If the fibroma is small and causes little discomfort, a doctor may decide to do nothing and let the adolescent grow out of it. Surgery is necessary, though, when a fibroma causes significant discomfort, structural weakening of the bone, or fracture.

A fibroma is found near the end of the long bones, usually those in the legs.
A fibroma is found near the end of the long bones, usually those in the legs.

Surgery consists of both curettage and bone grafting. A surgeon will remove the fibroma, creating a gap in the bone. Pieces of donor bone are inserted into the gap. During the six-week period when the leg is in a cast, donor bone fuses with the adolescent's natural bone. In six months, the adolescent will be fully able to participate in all physical activities.

A leg will be in a cast for six weeks following surgery to remove a fibroma.
A leg will be in a cast for six weeks following surgery to remove a fibroma.

Prognosis for the future is excellent even in cases when an adolescent undergoes surgery. Unlike malignant tumors, there is very little chance that a nonossifying fibroma will reappear. Though parents of adolescents who have undergone corrective surgery may want to have their child checked for other fibromas, the chances of having two or more large fibromas is statistically insignificant and only occurs in rare conditions that have other prominent symptoms.

Discussion Comments

anon958728

My 10 year old daughter has a NOF on her clavicle. It's a very rare place to have it and it does ache at night. We're trying to hold off on surgery, however, if the ache continues, we will have it done.

anon931559

My 14 year old just had a NOF removed from tibia three days ago. The orthopedic surgeons we saw kept saying the same things "fibromas typically don't hurt" and "it will go away." My son's leg did hurt. After three months of not being able to do the sports he loves because of the pain, we asked for the surgery.

anon320733

My oldest child has a non ossifying fibroma on his lower right tibia. They found it before Christmas last year. It is now February and he is still having lots of pain in his lower foot. He sometimes can put weight on it but when he uses his foot too much he is up crying all night.

I have been to two specialists and his doctor and they keep telling me it will get better. It don't seem like it will. His insurance won't cover a second opinion. I am at lost on what to do.

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    • Fibromas increase the chance of bone fracture, especially if a child participates in sports.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Fibromas increase the chance of bone fracture, especially if a child participates in sports.
    • X-rays may confirm the presence of a nonossifying fibroma.
      By: Rido
      X-rays may confirm the presence of a nonossifying fibroma.
    • A fibroma is found near the end of the long bones, usually those in the legs.
      By: Balint Radu
      A fibroma is found near the end of the long bones, usually those in the legs.
    • A leg will be in a cast for six weeks following surgery to remove a fibroma.
      By: Sasa Komlen
      A leg will be in a cast for six weeks following surgery to remove a fibroma.
    • Large fibromas can increase the chance of a bone fracture.
      By: stockdevil
      Large fibromas can increase the chance of a bone fracture.