bubble_chart Overview

Chondroma is relatively common among benign bone tumors. Enchondroma (medullary chondroma) refers to a chondroma that occurs within the medullary cavity and is the most common type. Subperiosteal (juxtacortical) chondroma is relatively rare. Chondroma associated with multiple hemangiomas is called Maffucci syndrome. Solitary chondroma is more common, while 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 a single limb, it is called Ollier disease.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Soft bone tumors are commonly seen in adolescents, with a slow onset and usually no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the affected area gradually expands, especially in the fingers or toes, deformities may occur along with a sense of soreness and swelling.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

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

bubble_chart Differentiation

X-ray findings: When occurring in the phalanges, it is generally centrally located. A well-defined, regular cystic translucent shadow can be seen, with the affected bone cortex expanded and thinned. Within the translucent shadow, scattered sand-like dense spots are visible, which are the primary X-ray signs of soft bone tumors. In cases involving the metacarpal (metatarsal) bones, the tumor shadow may sometimes be larger, often biased toward the bone end, with more pronounced expansion of the bone cortex, but no periosteal reaction is observed. In cases involving the long bones of the limbs, the tumor shadow is extensive. When malignant transformation occurs, destruction of the bone cortex and periosteal reaction can be observed.