Cemented K-wire external fixation in juxta-articular enchondroma-related phalangeal pathological fracture.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to introduce a technique of external fixation using a combination of bone cement and K-wires, to treat pathological fractures related to solitary digital enchondroma close to the finger joints. METHODS: From October 2015 to January 2021, 21 patients (8 males and 13 females) with acute pathological fracture due to solitary digital enchondroma close to the finger joints were treated with cemented K-wire external fixators. Mean age was 32 (19-51) years. The digits involved were the index (n = 4), long (n = 4), ring (n = 6), and little (n = 7) fingers. Time to bone healing and complications were assessed. At final follow-up, active range of motion, grip strength and key pinch strength of the tumor-involved and contralateral healthy digits were measured and compared. Functional outcomes were evaluated on Takigawa criteria. Pain was measured on a 10-cm visual analog scale. We assessed the affected upper extremity on the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean bone healing time was 5.5 (4-8) weeks. Pin site infection was observed in 1 patient and cured with dressing changes. Mean follow-up was 34 months, with no recurrences or refractures. Mean active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint, grip and key pinch strength of the involved digits reached 92%, 97%, and 99% of the contralateral digits, respectively. On Takigawa criteria, 20 functional results were excellent and 1 good. Mean pain score was 1 (0-3) cm. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 95 (80-100). CONCLUSION: The combination of bone cement and K-wires is a reliable technique for pathological fracture related to solitary enchondroma close to the joints of the digits, leading to good functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IVa.

Nasal chondrogenic tumors: Case reports of primary chondroma and recurrence of atypical cartilaginous tumor (chondrosarcoma grade I) with review of the literature.

Nasal chondromas and nasal atypical cartilaginous tumors (or chondrosarcoma grade 1) are very rare chondrogenic tumors. Approximately 150 cases of nasal chondroma and fewer than 50 cases of nasal atypical cartilaginous tumors have been described. We reported a case with nasal chondroma in the right ethmoid area and a case with a nasal atypical cartilaginous tumor of the anterior septum. No chondroma recurrence was noted for 17 years after endoscopic resection. Recurrence was noted for the nasal atypical cartilaginous tumor 36 months after wide surgical excision via midfacial degloving. Revision surgery was performed again via midfacial degloving. Recurrences of nasal chondroma and atypical cartilaginous tumors are extremely rare. The current data indicate adequate surgical excision, in some cases even radical, as the most important parameter to avoid recurrence. For inoperable recurrent cases of atypical cartilaginous tumors, observation may be followed.

Chondroma Arising from the Temporomandibular Joint: A Case Report.

Periarticular chondromas are common in the humerus and femur but rarely occur in the temporomandibular joint. We report a case of a chondroma in the anterior part of the ear. One year prior to his visit, a 53-year-old man became aware of swelling in the right cheek region which gradually increased in size. In the anterior part of the right ear, there was a palpable 25 mm tumor, elastic and hard, with poor mobility and without tenderness. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography CT showed a mass lesion with diffuse calcification or ossification in the upper pole of the parotid gland and areas of poor contrast within. A magnetic resonance imaging showed a low-signal mass lesion at the parotid gland with some high signals in both T1 and T2. Fine-needle aspiration cytology did not lead to diagnosis. Using a nerve monitoring system, the tumor was resected with normal tissue of the upper pole of the parotid gland in the same way as for a benign parotid tumor. Distinguishing between pleomorphic adenoma, including diffuse microcalcification of the parotid gland and cartilaginous tumors of the temporomandibular joint, may be sometimes difficult. In such cases, surgical resection may be a beneficial treatment option.

Soft Tissue Chondroma of the Chin.

Soft tissue chondromas are benign tumors, generally of the hands or feet, very rarely of the head and neck region. Repeated microtrauma may be as an initiating factor. The authors describe a case of a soft tissue chondroma of the chin in a 58-year-old male who had used a continuous positive airway pressure face mask for obstructive sleep apnea for 3 years. The patient presented with a hard mass on his chin for 1 year. Computed tomography imaging showed a heterogeneous enhancing mass, with calcification in the subcutaneous layer. Intraoperatively, the mass was beneath the mentalis muscle and abutted the mental nerve, without bone involvement. The diagnosis was a soft tissue chondroma. The patient recovered fully, without recurrence. The primary cause of soft tissue chondromas is unknown. The authors consider that continuous use of a continuous positive airway pressure face mask may play a role in the etiology.

Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Osteoscopic-Assisted Treatment of Enchondroma in Hand with Artificial Bone Substitute or Bone Graft: A 7-Year Case Series and Literature Review.

Background: This study aims to look at the intermediate-term clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of patients with enchondroma in hand treated with osteoscopic-assisted curettage and artificial bone substitute or bone graft. The addition of osteoscopy allows direct visualisation of the bone cavity during and after curettage of tumour tissue without the need of creating a large opening in the bone cortex. This could lead to better clearance of tumour tissue and lower risk of iatrogenic fracture. Methods: A total of 11 patients who received surgery from December 2013 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All cases had histological diagnosis of enchondroma. Patients with a follow-up period of less than 3 months were excluded. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.9 months. For the clinical outcome, we measured the total active motion (TAM) and graded with Belsky score grip strength. For the functional outcome, the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) score was used. For the radiological outcome, we evaluated the X-ray for bone cavity filling defect, new bone formation according to the system proposed by Tordai. Results: The mean TAM of patients was 257º. A total of 60% patients had Belsky score grading excellent, 40% patients had Belsky score grading good. The mean percentage of grip strength compared with the contralateral side was 86.2%. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.7. For the wound aesthetic rating by patients, 81.8% patients reported as excellent. For the radiological outcome, the postoperative X-ray of all patients showed bone filling defect less than 3 mm. The mean time to complete bone consolidation was 3.8 months. None of the patients showed any radiological signs of recurrence. Conclusions: Our study showed that patients with enchondromas in hand treated with this minimally invasive method demonstrated good functional and radiological outcome. Its application may also be extended into treating other benign bone lesions in hand. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Active surveillance of atypical cartilaginous tumours of bone: short term quality of life measurements.

BACKGROUND: In the recent years active surveillance has been introduced for atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACT). This is the first study on the impact of this new treatment approach on patients' quality-of-life. We evaluated general health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients diagnosed with enchondroma or ACT. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients recently diagnosed with enchondroma and ACT of the long bones were asked to participate. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was assessed at diagnosis and at six month follow-up, using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS). HRQL of the active surveillance group was compared to the Dutch population and a Dutch sample with locoregional cancer. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients were included in the study, of which four patients underwent curettage and cryosurgery, 41 patients were under active surveillance. The HRQL of the active surveillance group seemed lower compared to the Dutch population, but similar to patients suffering locoregional cancers. No comparison between the surgery and the active surveillance group could be made. In the active surveillance group no statistical difference was found between baseline and six months follow-up regarding HRQL and pain during rest and activities. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with non-malignant chondroid tumours have lower HRQL compared to the healthy population. Active surveillance had no adverse effect on patients well-being, after six months active surveillance the HRQL remained unchanged. Interestingly, in our study no impact on mental health was seen, implicating that diagnosed but untreated chondroid tumours do not seem to influence patients anxiety.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of a presumed enchondroma in the flat bones of the pelvis.

Herein, a 30-year-old Caucasian female who presented with a persistent pain in the right pelvic region due to an enchondroma and treated with RF ablation is described. An initial MRI of the pelvis revealed a well-circumscribed lesion in the right inferior ischiopubic ramus with a maximum diameter of 9.5 mm. The final diagnosis was established by a percutaneous CT-guided bone biopsy, which excluded malignancy and revealed an enchondroma. About a month after the biopsy, a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lesion was performed. The symptoms resolved completely gradually 2 months after the treatment and a follow-up imaging with MRI showed complete resolution of the pathological enhancement indicating necrosis of the lesion. RFA has not been previously reported as a treatment option of enchondromas found in flat bones of the pelvis and could be a safe alternative minimally invasive treatment option in such cases, avoiding major operations.

Intracapsular Chondroma Occurring in Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Hand: A Rare Presentation.

Extraskeletal chondroma comprises synovial chondromatosis, intracapsular chondroma and soft tissue chondroma, its presentation in the hand, however, is very rare. A 42-year-old woman presented with a mass around right fourth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. She had no pain or discomfort in activities. The radiographs showed soft tissue swelling, but no calcification or ossifying lesions. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a lobulated juxta-cortical encircling mass existing around the fourth MCP joint. We did not suspect any cartilage-forming tumour in MRI. The mass was easily removed because there was no adhesion with surrounding tissues and the specimen had the appearance of a cartilage. The histological diagnosis was chondroma. Based on the tumour location and histological results, we diagnosed it as intracapsular chondroma. Although intracapsular chondroma is very rare-ly seen in the hands, it is important to consider an intracapsular chondroma when differentiating a tumour in the hand because it is difficult to diagnose one in an imaging examination. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Simple curettage and allogeneic cancellous bone chip impaction grafting in solitary enchondroma of the short tubular bones of the hand.

Enchondroma is the most common bone tumor in the hand. While standard surgical procedure is intra-lesional excision and bone grafting, there is a dispute between allogeneic bone, autogenous bone, and synthetic bone substitute grafting. Diverse adjuvant treatments have been introduced to reduce recurrence, but results are mixed with controversies. Meanwhile, whether existing descriptive classification could predict treatment outcome remains unclear. Thus, we reviewed patients with solitary enchondroma of the hand who underwent simple curettage followed by allogeneic cancellous bone chip impaction grafting. Eighty-eight patients with more than 5 years of follow-up were enrolled. Demographic data, local recurrence, and complications were reviewed. Duration of consolidation and the difference according to Takigawa classification were assessed. Range of motion (ROM), and functional scores were also evaluated. There were 51 women and 37 men, with a mean age of 37.9 years. Mean follow-up was 10.2 years. Recurrence occurred only in one patient. There was no complication. Mean postoperative total active motions of fingers and thumb were 239° and 132.9°. Mean modified Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand score, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score were 1.63, and 99.2 at the last follow-up. Consolidation, ROM, and functional scores according to Takigawa classification showed no significant differences. This study suggests that simple curettage with impaction grafting of allogeneic cancellous bone chip is a feasible method for treating solitary enchondromas involving short tubular bone of the hand with good long-term outcomes. Postoperative recurrence and complication rates were very low. Radiographic and clinical results were good regardless of the previous radiological classification.

Osteoscopic versus open surgery for the treatment of enchondroma in the foot.

INTRODUCTION: The conventional treatment of enchondromas is the open surgery with curettage of lesions. Osteoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for lesions inside bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the osteoscopic surgery in comparison with the conventional open surgery for patients with foot enchondromas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comparing patients with foot enchondromas treated with osteoscopic or open surgery from 2000 to 2019. Functional evaluations were based on both the AOFAS score and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional rate. Complication and local recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent endoscopic surgery, and eight patients underwent open surgery. The AOFAS score was higher in the osteoscopic group than the open group at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery (mean, 89.18 vs 67.25 [p = 0.001], 93.88 vs 79.38 [p = 0.004]). The MSTS functional rate was also higher in the osteoscopic group than the open group at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery (mean, 81.96 vs 59.58% [p = 0.00], 90.98 vs 75.00% [p = 0.02]). No statistical differences were found after 1-month of surgery. The osteoscopic group had lower complication rate than the open group (12 vs 50%; p = 0.04). No local recurrence was found in any groups. CONCLUSION: The osteoscopic surgery is feasible to provide earlier functional recovery and fewer complications than the open surgery.

[The evolution of phosphocalcic cement in phalangeal and metacarpal enchondromas. A retrospective study of 13 cases]. / Le devenir du ciment phosphocalcique dans les cures d'enchondromes des phalanges et métacarpiens. Une étude rétrospective de 13 cas.

Chondromas are the most frequent benign tumors of the skeleton. The surgical treatment of these tumors consists of curettage of the tumor, which may be associated with a filling of the defect. One of the filling techniques uses bone substitutes. The primary objective was to evaluate the resorption of phosphocalcic injectable cements and their evolution in bone sites. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the function of the finger and to look for a possible recurrence of the chondroma. We performed a bi-centric study and reviewed 13 patients with 14 phalanx or metacarpal chondromas operated on by phosphocalcic cement filling technique with a minimum follow-up of 2years. An X-ray at the longest follow-up was performed as well as a QDASH, a "finger score" and a measurement of the amplitudes. Cement disappearance was observed in 100% of 5 patients. An average of 30% of cement remained at the last follow-up (0-80%). The disappearance of cement was significantly inversely proportional to the time since the last radiograph (P<0.01). On average, total disappearance of cement was found at about 6years postoperatively. The mean QDASH score was 6.1 (0; 40.91). The mean finger score was 3 (0-24). The disappearance of the cement seems to occur in the medium term after its installation but does not predict the functional recovery and satisfaction of patients operated on for the cure of a chondroma of the hand.

Solitary Chondrosarcoma of the Right Ring Finger: A Case Report.

We present a case of solitary chondrosarcoma arising from the proximal phalanx of the ring finger in an elderly man. The chondrosarcoma developed over a period of 14 years, during which the phalanx became progressively more deformed. Several radiographic investigations were carried out, but the patient declined further suggested diagnostic examinations (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy). Eventually, the lesion became significantly enlarged, and radiographs showed osteolytic lesions in the phalangeal bone. Ray amputation of the finger was required to establish a wide resection of the chondrosarcoma. Most osteochondral tumors arising from the phalanges are benign tumors such as enchondromas, but primary chondrogenic malignant bone tumors (chondrosarcomas) occasionally occur. Chondrosarcoma of the phalanx is difficult to distinguish from enchondroma of the phalanx, because histological investigations of the two neoplasms often produce similar findings. Even with a combination of clinical, biopsy, and imaging findings, differentiating these neoplasms is still challenging, because the characteristic clinical and radiological features of chondrosarcoma do not appear until it becomes aggressive and starts to cause destructive changes. Once that happens, radical expanded resection of the tumor is essential. Therefore, longstanding enchondroma-like lesions should be actively treated in elderly patients, even if a definite diagnosis of chondrosarcoma cannot be made.

Impact of Patient and Tumor Characteristics on Range of Motion and Recurrence Following Treatment of Enchondromas of the Hand.

PURPOSE: The approach to the treatment of enchondromas of the hand is varied, and there is no clear consensus on graft source, fixation, or need for intraoperative adjuvant therapy. We reviewed a cohort of patients who underwent curettage and bone grafting with cancellous allograft chips without internal fixation or adjuvant therapy and reported on postoperative range of motion (ROM) and recurrence rates. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical treatment for hand enchondroma over a 23-year period. We collected information on demographics and presenting enchondroma characteristics, including Takigawa classification and presence of pathologic fracture or associated syndromes. Patients were treated with open biopsy with curettage and grafting with cancellous allograft chips. Postoperative ROM, complications, and recurrences were recorded. RESULTS: Our series included 111 enchondromas in 104 patients. Seventeen of 104 patients (16%) had a diagnosis of Ollier disease. Average length of follow-up was 3.1 years. Eighty-one percent of patients achieved full ROM. Treatment of patients who presented with preoperative pathologic fracture resulted in a greater frequency of reduced postoperative ROM at 28% (9/32) compared to 15% (11/72) of those patients who did not present with preoperative pathologic fracture. Local recurrence developed in 5 of 50 (10%) patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Local recurrence occurred at higher-than-average rates in patients with giant form Takigawa classification (43%, 3/7) and Ollier disease (23%, 3/13). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of enchondromas with biopsy, curettage, and allograft results in full ROM in 81% of patients. Patients with preoperative pathologic fracture should be advised of a greater risk of postoperative extension deficit. Recurrence remains rare and is associated with syndromic presentation and giant form lesions. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.