A rare case of recurrent enchondroma of the thumb involving the first metacarpophalangeal joint- an unusual disease pattern

Abstract

Enchondromas are common benign lesions of the hand. Recurrent lesions, however, may behave notoriously. A potential malignant transformation should be kept in mind while treating such tumors. We report a case of recurrent enchondroma of the first metacarpal of the right hand in a 37-year-old lady. A 37-year-old female patient who presented to us with a recurrent swelling of the thumb. She was surgically treated for the swelling five years back. The swelling recurred four months after surgery and had grown to the current size. We successfully managed the recurrent enchondroma by en bloc excision, bone grafting, and Kirschner wires to stabilize it. Recurrent enchondromas are to be approached cautiously. They may pose a malignant threat. The reasons for recurrence are to be investigated thoroughly to avoid a re-recurrence. Successful treatment of these lesions is dependent on the complete removal of the tumor bed followed by stabilization.