National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Osteopoikilosis


Other Names:
Spotted bones; Osteopathia condensans disseminata
Osteopoikilosis is a condition in which many small, roundish spots are found in the bones, particularly near the joints.  These spots are areas of bone tissue that did not develop properly and are exceptionally dense.  They usually do not cause symptoms and do not change over time.  Osteopoikilosis can be diagnosed at any age and is often detected by chance when an otherwise healthy individual has x-rays for an unrelated reason, such as injury.  This condition may occur randomly with no other features (sporadic), or may be inherited from a parent as a part of Buschke Ollendorff syndrome.[1]
Last updated: 4/17/2012

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Osteopoikilosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • I have osteopoikilosis and would like more information on this condition.  How rare is it? See answer


  1. Di Primio G. Benign spotted bones: a diagnostic dilemma. Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). 2011; 183:456-459. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21242270. Accessed 4/16/2012.