Enchondroma
A benign cartilaginous lesion appearing in adult life, seen often in short tubular bones e.g. the hand. The lesions are usually single but may be multiple.
Characteristics
- Age: 2nd - 5th decade
- Cartilage
- Short cylindrical bones,often in hand
- Problem: ? Low Grade Chondrosarcoma
X-rays show scalloped erosions on endosteal surface. There may be flecks of calcification. In multiple enchondromatosis (Ollier's disease) there may be associated deformities, such as genu varus or valgus. In the systemic form (Ollier's), there is a high (10 -20%) incidence of malignant transformation.
Treatment is by curettage and bone grafting. Because many of these may be low grade malignant chondrosarcoma ( which is difficult to distinguish histologically from benign enchondroma) additional techniques, such as cryosurgery are also added to make sure the residual cells are killed.
| Multiple enchondromata or Ollier's disease |
