Benign Hand Tumors (Part I): Cartilaginous and Bone Tumors

Intramedullary Fixation with Cannulated Screw After Resection of Enchondroma in the Hand: Technique Description and Case Series

Purpose

Enchondromas are primary, benign bone neoplasms that arise from intramedullary proliferation of hyaline cartilage cells. Slow and progressive in growth, enchondromas can lead to bone destruction, deformities, and fractures. The treatment of enchondromas remains controversial. We hereby describe the technique for bone fixation using headless intramedullary screws (HISs) after enchondroma resection in the long bones of the hand.

Methods

From January 2018 to June 2021, all patients treated with HISs after the resection of enchondroma of the hand were retrospectively assessed and included in the study. The series comprised four patients with a minimum postoperative follow-up period of 12 months. Postoperative functional results were measured according to Takigawa criteria and postoperative radiographic results were graded according to the Tordai system.

Results

After tumor resection and screw fixation, one patient had autologous bone grafting from the iliac crest, and another had the defect filled with calcium phosphate cement. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months, and the mean healing time of the pathologic fracture was 5 weeks. There were neither complications related to the procedure nor the need for a second surgery.

Conclusions

We describe the technique of intramedullary headless screws for bone fixation after enchondroma resection in the long bones of the hand, as well as the excellent functional, cosmetic, and radiographic results of four patients treated with the technique presented herewith.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.

Benign cartilaginous tumors of the hand, a five-year retrospective study

Benign and malignant cartilaginous bone tumors of the hand are rare findings, however representing a particular pathology due to the capacity to induce significant functional impairment. Even though a large proportion of tumors of the hand and wrist are benign, these may present destructive characteristics, deforming adjacent structures until compromising function. The most appropriate surgical approach for most benign tumors is intralesional lesion resection. Malignant tumors often require wide excision, up to segment amputation to obtain tumor control. A five-year retrospective study was performed on patients admitted in our Clinic with benign cartilaginous tumors of the hand, in which 15 patients were admitted within this period, 10 presenting with enchondroma, four presenting with osteochondroma, and lastly one with chondromatosis. After clinical and imaging evaluation, all the aforementioned tumors were surgically removed. Definitive diagnosis for all bone tumors, either benign or malignant, was established by tissue biopsy and histopathological examination, dictating therapeutic strategy.

Double central ray amputation of the third and fourth digits for recurrent giant cell tumors of the hand: A case report

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Recurrent giant cell tumor of bone of hand treated by double central ray amputation.

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Double central ray amputation results in acceptable functional outcome of the hand.

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Double ray amputation aims to decrease re-recurrence rates of recurrent GCT of hand.

Introduction and importance

Recurrent giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) of the hand is very rare to be encountered. Our aim is to alert the surgeons to such condition and double central ray amputation of the third and fourth digits could be an option which may reduce the chance of a re-recurrence and provide an acceptable functional outcome.

Case presentation

We presented a 25-year-old woman with a recurrent GCTB of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger of the right hand. Considering the recurrent case, a high suspicion of malignancy, and apparent soft tissue extension, the lesion was treated with double central ray amputation of the third and fourth digits through metacarpals.

Clinical discussion

Extraosseous soft tissue invasion of recurrent GCTB of the hand had an important role in the treatment recommendation. A balance must be considered between the risk of re-recurrence and the impact of radical resection on function. Double central ray amputation surgery was performed in order to decrease the risk of additional recurrences. Acceptable functionality of the hand as she scored 26/30 (86 % rating) evaluated by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Scoring System and no signs of local re-recurrence were found for 6 months follow up.

Conclusion

Double central ray amputation of the third and fourth digits is a good option for management of recurrent GCTB of proximal phalanx of the third digits with gross soft tissue extension to adjacent fourth digits region.