Chondroma is relatively common among benign bone tumors. Enchondroma (medullary chondroma) refers to chondroma occurring within the medullary cavity and is the most common type. Subperiosteal (juxtacortical) chondroma is less common. Chondroma associated with multiple hemangiomas is known as Maffucci syndrome. Chondroma is usually solitary; multiple chondromas are less common and are characterized by symmetrical growth in one or both upper and lower limbs, often accompanied by limb developmental deformities, also known as enchondromatosis. When it occurs in one limb, it is referred to as Ollier disease.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Soft bone tumors are commonly seen in adolescents, with a slow onset and generally no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the local area gradually expands, especially in the fingers (toes), deformities may occur accompanied by a sense of soreness and swelling.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

X-ray findings: When occurring in the phalanges, it is generally centrally located. A well-defined, regular cystic lucent shadow can be seen, with the affected bone cortex expanded and thinned. Within the lucent shadow, scattered sand-like dense points can be observed, which are the main X-ray signs of a soft bone tumor. When occurring in the metacarpals (metatarsals), the tumor shadow is sometimes larger, often biased towards the end of the bone, and the expansion of the bone cortex is more pronounced, but there is no periosteal reaction. In cases occurring in the long bones of the limbs, the tumor shadow is extensive. When the tumor becomes malignant, destruction of the bone cortex and periosteal reaction can be observed.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

The pathological changes of enchondroma in short tubular bones may appear quite malignant, but are essentially benign. When pathological examination of enchondroma in the trunk or long bones of the limbs is performed, it may appear quite benign, but there is a 10-15% recurrence and malignant transformation rate. When selecting treatment methods, it should be noted that for enchondromas located in the hands and feet, thorough curettage, cauterization of the bone wall with 50% zinc chloride, and filling with cancellous bone fragments can be performed. For those located in the trunk and long bones of the limbs, it is generally recommended to perform local en bloc resection and bone grafting.