Abstract
Background/Purpose
Curettage followed by the application of iliac crest autograft was the traditional treatment of hand enchondroma in Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong.
Methods
We reviewed the results of 13 patients with hand enchondroma who were operated on in the past 15 years (1999–2013). Eight patients (1999–2009) received iliac crest autograft after curettage, whereas the other five patients (2009–2013) received artificial bone substitutes.
Results
Both groups of patients had good functional outcome and bone graft incorporation. There was no recurrence. One patient in the autograft group had mild residual finger stiffness. One patient receiving artificial bone substitutes had a gouty attack, early wound infection, and finger stiffness. The use of artificial bone substitutes eliminated donor site morbidities, decreased operation time and, hospital stay. They took a longer time for radiological incorporation than autograft, but it did not translate into adverse clinical effects.
Conclusion
Artificial bone substitute is a good alternative to iliac crest autograft in the treatment of hand enchondroma.