Chondroblastoma in the Children Treated with Intralesional Curettage and Bone Grafting: Outcomes and Risk Factors for Local Recurrence

EPIDEMOLOGICAL, RADIOGRAPHIC AND PROGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF CHONDROBLASTOMA

Objective

To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of chondroblastoma and identify possible factors related to joint complications.

Method

This retrospective cohort study was carried out with data from the medical records of 23 patients diagnosed with chondroblastoma, subjecting them to statistical analyses.

Result

In total, 19 patients were included, 12 (63.2%) of which were mean with a mean age of 13.6±3.5 year. The relation with the local dimension equaled 57.9%, higher in the apophysis of the greater trochanter: 95.2% (p<0.001). Based on imaging, 15.8% patients had an open physis; 55.6%, no damaged physeal line; 42.1%, cortical rupture; 21.1%, secondary aneurysmal bone cyst; 26.7%, violated cartilage; and all cases, medullary edema. 15.8% of cases showed local recurrence and no metastasis. Moreover, 46.7% of patients had relevant secondary osteoarthritis related to the aggressiveness of the tumor according to the Enneking classification (p= 0.041).

Conclusion

The clinical outcome of chondroblastoma show no relation to age, sex, location, physeal status, or presence of calcifications or secondary aneurysmal bone cyst. Progression to secondary osteoarthritis configured the most frequent non-oncological complication and showed a direct relation with the severity of the chondroblastoma. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

A Case of Chondroblastoma in the Medial Condyle of the Femur Treated With an Intra-Articular Approach via the Intercondylar Fossa

Adequate bone curettage is crucial for treating epiphyseal chondroblastomas. However, achieving adequate curettage while minimizing damage to the articular cartilage is challenging. For lesions at the center of the distal femoral epiphysis, curettage using an intercondylar approach may have better oncological and functional outcomes than the conventional extra-articular approach from the wall of the epiphysis. We herein present a case of a 22-year-old male patient with a chondroblastoma of the femoral medial condyle close to the intercondylar fossa. Intercondylar curettage was performed at the site of the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Maximal knee flexion allowed for good exposure of the lesion, and a direct approach to the tumor led to adequate curettage. Careful suturing of the PCL and postoperative care resulted in sufficient joint stability. The patient showed no signs of local recurrence or osteoarthritic changes at his 16-month follow-up. The intercondylar approach could be a surgical technique worth considering for the treatment of chondroblastoma in the distal femoral epiphysis, particularly for lesions located near the intercondylar fossa.

Arthroscopic Management of Juxta-Articular Proximal Tibial Chondroblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastoma is a rare bone tumor that originates from the epiphysis, constitutes around 1% of all primary bone tumors and is recognized for its tendency to exhibit local invasiveness, as well as the possibility of metastasis and recurrence in nearby areas. Currently, the main surgical treatment for chondroblastoma is open surgery, involving excision of the lesion. There are relatively few reports on arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of chondroblastoma. However, open surgical curettage is associated with operation-related trauma and potential for damage to the osteoepiphysis resulting in growth disturbances.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case study presents the application of an arthroscopic technique in a 14-year-old male patient with chondroblastoma affecting the proximal tibia and tibial eminence. The procedure involved thorough removal of the lesion using direct visualization with the management of the cavity utilizing a substitute for autologous bone graft. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient remains free from symptoms, exhibits normal knee functionality, and radiographic analysis reveals a good autologous bone graft fusion without any signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the existing cases of arthroscopic treatment for chondroblastoma and the report of this case, arthroscopic treatment for chondroblastoma can be considered as a specific treatment option for certain patients. In some cases, this technique could be an effective alternative to open surgery.

Chondroblastoma in 28 cases: The risk of local recurrence increases with larger tumor size

Introduction: Chondroblastoma (CBL) is a rare benign bone tumor with potentially local recurrence and metastases. At present, the local recurrence risk factors are controversial. The purpose of this study is to analysis local recurrence factors in our medical center. Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 male and 10 female patients who presented at our hospital between 2016 and 2023. The clinical data included radiological images, histological results, treatment modalities, functional outcomes, and local recurrence rates. Surgical interventions comprised curettage, followed by bone grafting and adjunctive techniques. Furthermore, all patients were stratified into two groups based on tumor volume, with a threshold of 25 cm3, to explore the relationship between tumor volume and recurrence. Results: Among the 28 patients, with an average age of 13 years (range: 9 to 16 years) and an average follow-up duration of 33 months (range: 8 to 91 months). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 27 points (range: 14 to 30). Notably, recurrence was observed in 3 pediatric patients. A statistically significant difference in recurrence rates was found between tumors with volumes less than 25 cm3 and those greater than 25 cm3 (p < .05). Conclusion: Curettage, combined with alcohol as an adjuvant, resulted in local control and good outcomes in most pediatric patients. It was noteworthy that a larger tumor size correlated with an increased likelihood of recurrence.

Chondroblastoma of the femoral head: curettage without dislocation

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastoma (CBL) of the femoral head is a rare disease, typically encountered in the epiphysis of long bones, with its occurrence in the femoral head being particularly uncommon. The unique location and aggressive nature of this tumor pose substantial challenges in its treatment, leading to ongoing controversies regarding the therapeutic approaches. In this study, we introduce a technique of curettage without surgical dislocation as a treatment option for CBL in this challenging location.

METHODS

A total of 6 children diagnosed with chondroblastoma of the femoral head underwent a surgical procedure consisting of curettage, the application of anhydrous alcohol as an adjuvant therapy, followed by bone grafting. The epiphyseal plate status of the femoral head was classified as open, closing, or closed. To evaluate the children's postoperative functional outcome, the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system was utilized. Additionally, the Lodwick classification was employed to assess the extent of bone destruction. Furthermore, the kappa coefficient was calculated to quantify the level of inter-observers agreement in assessing the status of the epiphyseal plate.

RESULTS

The epiphyseal plate status was closing in two patients and closed in four patients. According to the Lodwick classification, one patient was classified as IA, one as IB, and four as IC. The mean MSTS score was 28. Notably, one patient developed a femoral neck fracture three months post-curettage.

CONCLUSIONS

Curettage without surgical dislocation, combined with the use of anhydrous alcohol as an adjuvant therapy, followed by bone grafting, constitutes an effective treatment technique for femoral head chondroblastoma.

Management of Chondroblastoma in Pediatric Patients: 21 Years of Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastoma (CB), a rare benign bone tumor that produces chondrocytes, often develops in the epiphysis or apophysis of children and young adults. The treatment of these rare tumors is complex. The standard treatment protocol involves curettage with local adjuvants and bone graft or cement application. The authors examined 38 CBs to determine risk factors for local recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes following epiphyseal curettage.

METHODS

Twenty-two girls and sixteen boys aged 10 to 17 years with histologically confirmed chondroblastoma who arrived at our hospital between January 2000 and June 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical data, radiographic images, histological results, treatment, functional outcomes, and the local recurrence rate were examined-surgical treatment involved total tumor curettage, followed by bone grafting and adjuvant techniques. Local recurrences have also been reported.

RESULTS

The most frequently affected site was the proximal femur. Sites of involvement included the proximal femur in 10 (26.3%) cases, the proximal tibia in 8 (20.8%), the humerus in 5 cases (13.2%), the distal tibia in 4 cases (10.5%), the distal femur in 3 cases (7.9%), the supracetabular region in 3 cases (7.9%), the talus in 1 case (2.6%), the calcaneus in 1 case (2.6%), the scapula in 1 case (2.6%), the lumbar spine in 1 case (2.6%), and the iliac bone in 1 (2.6%) patient. The mean follow-up was 144.2 months (24 to 276). The local recurrence rate was 7.9%. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 28.3 points (17 to 30). The mean duration of symptoms at presentation was 5.8 (range, 1 to 28) months.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive curettage and bone grafting resulted in local control and good outcomes in most pediatric patients. In a relatively small proportion of cases, long-term complications and recurrence can occur due to growth plate damage and late diagnosis. In patients admitted to the pediatric clinic with pain, which is often accompanied by localized edema and joint effusion, early detection via advanced radiological scans (X-ray, CT, or MRI) may prevent delays in diagnosis.

Does the intercondylar approach provide a better outcome for chondroblastoma of the distal femur in skeletally immature patients?

Aims

The epiphyseal approach to a chondroblastoma of the intercondylar notch of a child's distal femur does not provide adequate exposure, thereby necessitating the removal of a substantial amount of unaffected bone to expose the lesion. In this study, we compared the functional outcomes, local recurrence, and surgical complications of treating a chondroblastoma of the distal femoral epiphysis by either an intercondylar or an epiphyseal approach.

Methods

A total of 30 children with a chondroblastoma of the distal femur who had been treated by intraregional curettage and bone grafting were retrospectively reviewed. An intercondylar approach was used in 16 patients (group A) and an epiphyseal approach in 14 (group B). Limb function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system and Sailhan's functional criteria.

Results

At final follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 29.1 (SD 0.9) in group A and 26.7 (SD 1.5) in group B (p = 0.006). According to Sailhan's criteria, the knee function was good and fair in 14 (87.5%) and two (12.5%) patients of group A, and eight (57.1%) and six (42.9%) patients of group B, respectively (p = 0.062). The lesion had recurred in one patient (6.2%) in group A and four patients (28.6%) in group B. Limb shortening > 1 cm was recorded in one patient (6.2%) from group A and six patients (42.8%) from group B. Joint degeneration was noted in one patient from group A and three patients from group B.

Conclusion

An intercondylar approach to a chondroblastoma of the middle two-quarters of the distal femoral epiphysis results in better outcomes than a medial or lateral epiphyseal approach: specifically, better limb function, a lower rate of recurrence, and a lower rate of physeal damage and joint degeneration.

Recurrent chondroblastoma of the talus: A case report and literature review of recurrent lesions in the foot and ankle

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chondroblastoma is a benign cartilaginous tumour that usually presents in the epiphysis of long bones in patients aged 10-20 years old. Only 4 % of primary chondroblastoma occur in the talus. Recurrence is rare, especially in the foot and ankle and there is no consensus regarding how it is best managed. This unique case and literature review add to a limited evidence base.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 21-year-old male was referred to our elective orthopaedic clinic with persistent anterior ankle pain exacerbated by weight-bearing. Radiographs and MRI revealed a 2.5 cm non-homogenous mass in the anteromedial talus with expansion of overlying bone consistent with chondroblastoma-ABC. Our patient was initially managed by intralesional curettage and autologous bone grafting but had recurrence 4.5 months postoperatively. Subsequent en bloc resection of the talar neck with talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint fusion resulted in excellent functional outcomes and disease-free survival at 2 years follow-up.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

There are few reports discussing treatment options for recurrence in the foot and ankle. Successful treatment of primary and recurrent lesions depends on complete local resection. Repeat curettage or en bloc resection are effective options depending on tumour size and location. Type of bone graft or void filler should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Novel therapies (e.g. phenol instillation) may be beneficial.

CONCLUSION

This case details successful management of recurrent chondroblastoma with en bloc resection of the talar neck and hindfoot reconstruction. We review the efficacy and outcomes of all previously reported recurrent chondroblastoma in the foot and ankle. We highlight multiple potential treatment options.

Long term outcome of surgical treatment of chondroblastoma: analysis of local control and growth plate/articular cartilage related complications

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastoma (CBL) is a rare benign chondroid producing bone tumor that typically occurs in epiphysis or apophysis of growing children and young adults. Intralesional curettage is the treatment of choice, while resection is required in selected cases, even though the use of minimally invasive ablation techniques has been advocated. Authors reviewed a series of 75 CBLs with the aim of assess risk factors for local recurrence, the growth plate related complications after epiphyseal curettage and the risk of arthritis of the adjacent joint after epiphyseal curettage.

METHODS

We retrospectively review 69 CBLs treated with intralesional curettage and 6 treated with resection from March 1995 to February 2020. The median age was 18.8 years (7 to 42, median 16). The site was proximal humerus in 18 cases, proximal tibia in 17, distal femur in 16, talus in 6, femur's head in 4, calcaneus in 3, acromion in 3, trochanteric region in 2, distal tibia in 2, patella in 2, supracetabular region in 1 and distal humerus in 1 patient.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 124.2 months (24 to 322, median 116). Among patients treated with curettage, 7.3% of local recurrence was observed and 12 (17.4%) patients developed osteoarthritis of the adjacent joint. Five patients (7.3%) presented limb length discrepancy of the operated limb ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm. Recurrence free survival rate was 94.2% at 5 and 91.6% at 10 years. A mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) of 29.3 points (20 to 30, median 30) was observed.

CONCLUSION

More than 90% of CBLs were successfully treated with aggressive curettage but segmental resection is required in selected cases. In a relatively small proportion of cases long term complications can occur due to growth plate damage or osteoarthritis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Chondroblastoma Affecting the Apophysis of the Greater Trochanter in a Child

Chondroblastomas are rare primary bone tumours typically affecting the epiphyses and less frequently the apophyses of the growing skeleton. Most cases are treated by intralesional curettage with or without local adjuvants and this technique can produce good long-term outcomes. Herein, we describe a case of chondroblastoma of the greater trochanter in a 12-year-old male child that was treated by intralesional curettage and grafting with calcium phosphate bone cement (Neocement Inject® P, Bioceramed, Loures, Portugal). A brief review of the literature is also presented.

Images of giant cell tumor and chondroblastoma around the knee: retrospective analysis of 99 cases

Background

It is difficult to differentiate giant cell tumors of the bone (GCTB) from chondroblastoma around the knee based on imaging findings. This study analyzed the imaging features of these 2 diseases for better differentiation.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional cohort study reviewed data of patients with pathologically confirmed GCTB (n=81; age 15-75 years; median age 33 years) and chondroblastoma (n=18; age 12-34 years; median age 14 years). In all, 18 imaging signs were analyzed.

Results

Patients with chondroblastoma were relatively younger than those with GCTB. On imaging, lesion length was significantly (P<0.00001) smaller in chondroblastoma [range, 15.80-78.30 mm; mean ± standard deviation (SD) 34.15±18.24 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI): 24.05-44.25 mm] than in GCTB [range, 30.10-117.50 mm; mean ± SD 59.73±15.28 mm; 95% CI: 56.24-63.22 mm]. Significantly more (P<0.05) chondroblastoma lesions had calcification (76.5% vs. 1.3%), lobulation (77.8% vs. 32.1%), and swelling range >15 mm (84.6% vs. 41.1%) than did GCTB lesions, whereas significantly more (P<0.05) GCTB lesions were greater than half the host bone diameter (74.1% vs. 16.7%) and had a lesion long axis that was consistent with that of the host bone (98.8% vs. 27.8%). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the 2 tumors in the remaining 11 imaging signs.

Conclusions

A narrow zone of transition, intratumor calcification, lobulation, tumor transverse diameter greater than the bone diameter, maximum lesion length, consistency between the tumor and bone long axes, and edema range around the lesion >15 mm are parameters that can be used to differentiate GCTB from chondroblastoma around the knee.

Metaphyseal chondroblastoma in a pediatric patient

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign neoplasm usually located in the epiphyses and apophyses of the long bones in the immature skeleton. Radiologically, these tumors have a classic appearance of a lytic lesion with chondroid matrix surrounded by a thin sclerotic rim. Here, we describe the case of a 5-year-old male who presented with a chondroblastoma unusually located exclusively in the metaphyseal region, which led to an elusive diagnosis. The presence of tumors outlying the traditional location or epidemiological spectrum, along with the potential for histopathological misdiagnosis, can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the treating team.

Skull base chondroblastoma with aneurysmal bone cyst-like changes treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and doxycycline sclerotherapy: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Chondroblastomas (CBs) are rare benign bone tumors that are often difficult to treat because of their locations. CBs can be even more challenging to successfully manage when they present alongside aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)-like changes. To minimize operative morbidity, especially in hard-to-reach lesions, percutaneous approaches for both lesions have been individually described. We present a skull base CB with associated ABC-like changes treated by combining two different previously described percutaneous modalities.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors report successful percutaneous treatment of a skull base CB with adjacent ABC-like changes in a 17-year-old male. The CB was treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and the adjacent ABC area with doxycycline sclerotherapy. After 3 years of follow-up, there has been no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence.

LESSONS

CBs occur in the skull base and, as elsewhere in the body, can be associated with ABC-like changes. Successful percutaneous treatment of such a CB with ABC-like changes is possible by combining previously described techniques of RFA and doxycycline sclerotherapy.

Synchronous chondroblastomas in the knee joint: A case report

Introduction

A chondroblastoma (CB) is a benign chondroid bone tumor that typically arises in growing children. It frequently occurs in the proximal tibia, femur, and humerus. However, the biological behavior of CBs remains unclear because of their rarity. Herein, we report a rare case of synchronous CBs arising on the bilateral sides of the knee joint, suggesting the etiology of chronological tumorigenesis.

Presentation of case

An 18-year-old Japanese man with a complaint of right knee pain was referred to our hospital. Radiography revealed an expanding osteolytic lesion in the right proximal tibia. A small lesion in the distal femur was detected on magnetic resonance imaging. A biopsy of the tibial lesion revealed a pathological diagnosis of CB. Two-stage curettages were performed in the tibia and femur, and the pathological diagnosis of the femoral lesion was CB. No recurrence had occurred for 5 years in the tibia and a year in the femur with stable ambulation and a full range of motion.

Discussion

In our case, the CBs in the proximal tibia and distal femur co-occurred, suggesting that the seed of the CB emerged before the separation of these two bones. The key point to the generation of CB is that its origin could be initiated during mesenchymal condensation before the separation and differentiation of bones as if continental drifts.

Conclusion

We experienced a rare and suggestive case in CB etiology. An experience of synchronous CBs in the consecutive bones was suggestive of CB etiology and careful management.

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Report of a rare type of chondroblastomas in two consecutive long bones.

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Tumorigenesis of chondroblastoma is suggested at mesenchymal condensation.

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Chondroblastoma separation to different bones, resembling plate tectonics.

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Multiple chondroblastomas should be carefully treated or monitored.