Lone enchondromas of the hand. Long term followup after surgical treatment.

Abstract

Introduction Lone enchondromas are the most common tumors of the hand. Approximately 40% compromise this upper extremity, with a preference for cubital rays and proximal phalanges. The risk of malignancy to chondrosarcoma is 1% and the risk of recurrence is between 2 and 15%. Considering the latter, this study describes the experience and results of a large number of patients with a long-term follow-up. Methods This is a descriptive, retrospective, case series study. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of lone enchondroma of the hand that were treated with tumor resection, curettage and iliac crest or radius autograft placement were included. After the surgical treatment, hand function assessed with the Takigawa classification, the radiological results and the frequency of complications or recurrence were evaluated. Results Nineteen patients with a mean follow-up of 11 years were included. According to the Takigawa classification, function was excellent in 16 patients (84,2%) and good in 3 (15,7%). One patient presented with incisional superficial surgical site infection that resolved completely. No cases of recurrence were identified. Conclusions Within the patients assessed, good functional and radiological results were obtained after surgical treatment. Enconcdromas can present a risk of pathological fractures, recurrence and in a lesser proportion malignization, however, none of these complications were identified. The results of a simple surgical treatment option with good and excellent long-term results are described.

Keywords

• Encondroma solitario
• mano
• función postoperatoria
• complicaciones.Enchondroma
• hand
• postoperative function
• complications