What is an enchondroma of the bone?
An enchondroma is a type of noncancerous bone tumor that begins in cartilage. Cartilage is the gristly connective tissue from which most bones develop. Cartilage plays an important role in the growth process. There are many different types of cartilage in the body.
When should I be concerned about an enchondroma?
There is greater concern if the pain occurs when you are at rest or at night and does not go away. Pain caused by activity is less worrisome. In some cases, your doctor may give you an injection into the joint near the tumor. If the injection relieves your pain, it indicates that the enchondroma is not the cause.
Do enchondromas stop growing?
Bones grow from a cartilaginous growth plate that gradually lengthens and turns into bone as it lengthens. An enchondroma can be thought of as an island of cartilage within the bone that never transformed into normal bone. Enchondromas usually reside within the medullary canal of the bone and do not grow.
Can enchondroma spread?
The good news is that enchondromas are benign meaning they will not spread.
Is enchondroma the same as Chondroma?
Chondromas are the most common tumor of the phalanges. Chondromas have a medullary (enchondroma) or juxtacortical (perichondroma) location. They usually occur in patients younger than age 30 years. Matrix calcification occurs in 50% of patients with chondromas.
Do Enchondromas recur?
Although enchondroma has a low recurrence rate after surgery generally, in consideration of recurrence, we recommend the use of absorbable materials when a use of artificial bone substitute to fill the defect is planned.
What is distal femoral enchondroma?
Enchondroma is a solitary, benign, intramedullary cartilaginous tumour occurring most commonly in small bones of hands and feet. Distal femur and proximal humerus are other less common locations. Enchondroma consists of 3-10% of all bone tumours, while they constitute 12-24% of benign bone tumours.