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Fatigue and pain in children with multiple osteochondromas: a cross-sectional study
Ihsane Amajjar1,2, Nienke W Willigenburg3, Rob J E M Smeets4,5
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. i.amajjar@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Children with multiple osteochondromas (MO) experience significantly higher fatigue and pain levels compared to healthy peers. Psychosocial factors are strongly linked to these symptoms, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is a rare genetic disorder causing multiple benign bone tumors.
- While pain and fatigue are common in MO, their impact on children is understudied.
- This research addresses the need to quantify fatigue and pain in pediatric MO patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fatigue and pain levels in children diagnosed with MO.
- To compare the severity of fatigue in children with MO against healthy controls.
- To identify factors associated with fatigue and pain in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 134 children (aged 4-18) with MO.
- Validated online questionnaires assessed fatigue (CIS, VAS-fatigue), pain (VAS), and psychosocial factors.
- One-sample t-tests compared fatigue scores to healthy peers; regression analyses identified associated variables.
Main Results:
- 89.6% of children with MO reported fatigue (VAS-fatigue=3.17±2.63), with significantly higher CIS scores than controls (66.32±24.63 vs. 55.07±20.99, p=0.012).
- 75.4% reported pain (VAS=2.41±2.42).
- Fatigue (CIS, VAS-fatigue) and pain were associated with psychosocial factors, including emotional/behavioral problems and depressive symptoms. Pain was linked to functional disability.
Conclusions:
- Fatigue and pain are highly prevalent and more severe in children with MO compared to healthy children.
- Psychosocial factors significantly correlate with both fatigue and pain experiences.
- Multidisciplinary management approaches are crucial for addressing the complex needs of children with MO.
