Phenolization and Coralline Hydroxyapatite Grafting following Meticulous Curettage for the Treatment of Enchondroma of the Hand. A Case Series of 82 Patients with 5-year Follow-up

Abstract

Background

Enchondromas are benign cartilaginous tumours. The most common location is in the long bones of the hand. Treatment methods fall into a broad spectrum ranging from conservative, medical therapies, to a variety of surgical procedures, which may or may not employ the use of local adjuvant treatment or bone grafting. The purpose of this study was to report our experience and evaluate the long-term results of patients with enchondroma of the hand, treated in our department with meticulous curettage, phenolization and coralline hydroxyapatite grafting.

Methods

We present 82 patients with hand enchondromas treated surgically in our department during the last 10 years. The patients were treated operatively with meticulous curettage of the bone lesion, with use of phenol 5 % as local adjuvant and coralline hydroxyapatite bone graft to fill in the remaining cavity.

Results

At a minimum of 5-year follow-up, radiographs and clinical examination showed adequate bone formation at the site of enchondroma excavation and no evidence of recurrence, fracture, infection or other complication related to the procedure.

Conclusion

We concluded that the combination of meticulous curettage of the lesion, with the use of phenol as local adjuvant and coralline hydroxyapatite graft is a safe technique that prevents recurrence and allows adequate and uncomplicated local new bone formation.