Enchondroma

Intramedullary and usually metaphyseal cartilaginous tumour caused by failure of normal enchondral ossification at the growth plate; 2nd most common benign bone tumour

Aetiology

  • Most commonly presents 20-50 years old

Clinical presentation

  • Can occur in the femur, humerus, tibia and small bones of the hand and feet
  • Many are indicental and usually asymptomatic but they can weaken the bone leading to pathological fracture

Investigations

  • Imaging - x-ray, further imaging if needed
    • Lesion is usually lucent on imaging but can undergo mineralisation with a patchy sclerotic appearance
notion image

Management

  • Once a fracture has healed or if there is a risk of impending fracture they may be scraped out (curettage) and filled with bone graft to strengthen the bone