Simple curettage without bone grafting for the treatment of enchondroma of the hand: an outcomes analysis

Objective To evaluate the results of simple curettage without bone grafting in the treatment of enchondroma of the hand. Methods Between July 2004 and December 2009, 13 patients with enchondroma of the hand were treated with simple curettage without bone grafting. Postoperative evaluations included the maximum bone diameter at the lesion site, active range of motion and X-ray changes of the involved fingers.Results All the patients were follow-up for 8 to 37 months, with an average of 21.3 months. New bone formation and remodeling of the lesions were observed in all the patients. The mean diameter of the lesion site bone decreased significantly. There was no impairment of joint function of the involved fingers with unchanged active range of motion.The results of radiographic appearance were assessed by applying Tordai' s classification of enchondroma of the hand. The final results were Tordai' s group 1 in 11 bones (84.6%) and group 2 in 2 bones (15.4%). There was no bone classified as group 3. During the follow-up periods, there were no pathological fractures and recurrence. Conclusion Simple curettage without bone grafting is a safe and effective treatment for enchondroma of the hand. Key words: Enchondroma;  Hand bones;  Surgical procedures,operative;  Curettage