Arthroscopic Resection of Humeral Enchondroma

Abstract

Enchondromas are common benign bone tumors. They are often found incidentally and usually do not require any treatment other than clinical surveillance. Signs of lesion progression or nontolerable pain are criteria for surgical resection. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with long-lasting shoulder pain, diagnosed with enchondroma. Imaging studies showed an enchondroma near the great tuberosity. Shoulder arthroscopy made it possible to diagnose and treat an SLAP lesion as well as to resect by curettage and shaving through the subacromial lateral portal. One year after surgery, the patient had significant pain relief and improved shoulder function. Shoulder arthroscopy seems to be a safe and suitable technique for resection of small-sized humeral enchondromas, with the advantage of allowing to treat other possible concomitant shoulder pathologies.