10 Years Follow up of Chondroblastoma Treated with Intralesional Curettage: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Chondroblastoma is a rare benign tumor mainly occurred in epiphyses and apophyses of long bones, and usually affects the young people. The primary treatment for chondroblastoma is intralesional curettage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of patients suffering chondroblastoma treated with intralesional curettage, electrocauterization of the cavity and bone grafting. Patients and Methods: From January 2000 to January 2010, 15 patients with chondroblastoma were treated with intralesional curettage and electrocauterization of the cavity, among which14 patients received bone grafting. After operation, patients were immobilized with splint for 4 weeks and followed up for at least 10 years. The recurrence was examined by clinical manifestation and X ray. The clinical outcome included complications and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS).Results: Totally, 15 patients with chondroblastoma were enrolled in our study, including 9 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 13 years old (range from 8 to 21 years). The most common chief compliant were pain and limited joint motion, others including local swelling and increased skin temperature. The mean duration of symptom was 5 months (range from 2-14 months). Tumors mostly affected the proximal humerus (7/15), distal femur (4/15), proximal femur (1/15), proximal tibia (2/15) and femoral head (1/15). Eight patients were undiagnosed or misdiagnosed before operation, only 7 patients with a consideration of chondroblastoma. With a mean follow up of 12years (range from 10-16 years) , two patients had complications of upper limb shortening and1 patient suffered re-operation due to tumor recurrence. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 28.1 (range, 24 to 30) points, which was significantly higher than the preoperative score of 17.6 (range, 12 to 21) points.Conclusion: Thorough curettage with electrocauterization and bone grafting has a good functional outcome in the treatment of chondroblastoma, but still has a low risk of recurrence and complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.