Chondrosarcoma of the proximal phalanx of the fourth digit: a rare location

Imaging Features of Primary Tumors of the Hand

Musculoskeletal tumors of the hand are a rare entity and are divided into skeletal and soft tissue tumors. Either category comprises benign and malignant or even intermediate tumors. Basic radiology allows an optimal resolution of bone and related soft tissue areas, ultrasound and more sophisticated radiologic tools such as scintigraphy, CT and MRI allow a more accurate evaluation of tumor extent. Enchondroma is the most common benign tumor affecting bone, whereas chondrosarcoma is the most commonly represented malignant neoplasm localized to hand bones. In the soft tissues, ganglions are the most common benign tumors and epithelioid sarcoma is the most frequently represented malignant tumor targeting hand soft tissues. The knowledge regarding diagnostic and therapeutic management of these tumors is often deriving from small case series, retrospective studies or even case reports. Evidences from prospective studies or controlled trials are limited and for this lack of clear and supported evidences, data from the medical literature on the topic are controversial, in terms of demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The correct recognition of the specific subtype and extension of the tumor through first line and second line radiology is essential for the surgeon, in order to effectively direct the therapeutic decisions.

Nonsurgical Treatment as Alternative to Surgical Treatment in Enchondromas of the Distal Phalanx. Analysis of a Series of 11 Cases

PURPOSE

To describe the results of nonsurgical and surgical treatment of enchondromas of the distal phalanx of the hand.

METHODS

Eleven enchondromas of the distal phalanx were retrospectively reviewed. Five patients underwent surgery (curettage and autogenous cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest) and 6 patients were treated nonsurgically. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed for each patient. We recorded complications and cosmetic and functional results. Radiographic healing in surgical patients was scored according to the classification of Tordai and to the criteria of Wilhelm and Feldmeier. The average follow-up of the nonsurgical and surgical cases was 45 and 62 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Eight patients were women. Average age at diagnosis was 40 years. Nine patients presented with a pathological fracture. The demographic characteristics of the surgical group and nonsurgical group were similar. Among the cases treated nonsurgically (6), 1 had 2 pathological fractures after diagnosis. At final follow-up, the average pain on a visual analog scale was 2.8. With the exception of 1 patient, the range of motion of the fingers was normal or minimally reduced. Among the surgical cases (5), there were no complications in the bone graft donor site, 2 patients developed infections in the operated finger, and no postoperative pathological fractures were found. At final follow-up, the average pain was 3.2. Joint mobility was normal in 3 patients. Postoperative radiological examination revealed complete bone healing in all patients (grade I in the Tordai classification). No local recurrence was seen. According to the criteria of Wilhelm and Feldmeier, there were 3 excellent, 1 good, and 1 satisfactory results in the surgical group, and 2 excellent, 3 good, and 1 satisfactory results in the nonsurgical group.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical and nonsurgical treatment in distal phalanx enchondromas appear to be associated with satisfactory results, although each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.