A long-standing large enchondroma of 5th metacarpal associated with deformity of the adjacent metacarpal bone: A rare case report

Abstract

Background: Enchondroma is the most common benign hand tumor. Long standing lesion on the skeletally immature group is relatively uncommon and can create an atypical finding. Methods We present a case of symptomatic large-sized enchondroma in the 5th metacarpal region without pathological fracture despite the 15 years of tumor growth. Moreover, the adjacent 4th metacarpal bone is deformed without causing apparent or functional deformity. The patient was treated with extended intralesional curettage which was augmented with cortical bone graft from iliac crest.Results The pathological result showed a low-grade cartilaginous neoplasm suggestive of an enchondroma. Post operatively, the patient regained full range of motion and normal grip strength at the three months follow-up. Successful graft integration was evident and no recurrence was observed at the 1-year follow-up.Conclusions A long-standing enchondroma in skeletally immature bone can cause series of adaptation both in affected and adjacent structure. The intralesional curettage with void filling.