Complete local tumor control after curettage of chondroblastoma–a retrospective analysis

Abstract Background Chondroblastoma is an uncommon benign bone tumor with an incidence of 1 to 2% among all primary bone tumors. In the past, treatment for chondroblastoma has been highly variable leading to different rates of recurrences. Therefore we aimed to determine: (1) the rate of recurrence, (2) the complication rate, (3) and functional outcome after intralesional curettage of chondroblastoma. Hypotheses Intralesional curettage with high speed burring and packing can avoid local recurrences. Patients and methods Experiences of 22 patients with chondroblastoma of the bone were retrospectively reviewed. The patient group consisted of 16 men; 6 women; mean age 24 years (range; 12–58 years) affecting in 15 the lower- (68%) and in seven the upper extremity (32%). Results There was no local recurrence or malignant transformation. All patients underwent intralesional curettage, followed by defect filling presenting in 19 patients (87%) excellent clinical and oncological results (mean MSTS 98.9). Complications were seen in two patients. Pain was the main revealing symptom of the chondroblastoma ( n = 16, 73%). Mean follow-up of all patients was 114 months (range, 25 to 480 months). Discussion Aggressive curettage and packing provided excellent local tumor control and functional results in our patients with chondroblastoma. Malignant transformation is extremely rare, however, present in literature but was not seen in any of our patients. Level of evidence Level IV, retrospective study.