A case of pathological fracture associated with chondroblastoma of the first metatarsal: natural development over 3 years

Abstract

Chondroblastoma of the metatarsal is a very rare condition. To our knowledge fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the world literature. We report a 34-yearold man with chondroblastoma of the Wrst metatarsal. The clinical, radiological and pathological aspects of the tumor are discussed. On pathological examination, there were no typical Wndings suggestive of benign chondroblastoma such as chicken wire calciWcation. Therefore, it was diYcult to determine whether the eosinophilic matrix observed in the stroma was osteoid or cartilaginous tissue, and diVerentiation from osteoblastoma was needed. However, the followup period of this patient was prolonged, and pain that was possibly due to pathologic fracture had occurred during this period, suggesting that these factors could have promoted Wbrosis. The patient was treated by curettage and autologous bone grafting. At 4 years after surgery, there has been no evidence of recurrent tumor.

A Pathological Fracture Associated With a Humeral Chondroblastoma

“…Pathologically, chondroblastoma is composed of medium-sized, round or multinucleated cells with a distinct border, and the giant cells generally have several to more than ten small nuclei [8] . In some cases, chondroid matrix is observed.…”