An Enchondroma is a type of noncancerous bone tumour that begins in cartilage. The suffix "en”refers to the fact that this lesion is located inside the bone. 

• Accounts for 10% of all benign osseous tumours

• it may weaken the bone and predispose it to fracture.

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TREATMENT

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Curettage is the surgical procedure most commonly used. In curettage, the tumour is scraped out of the bone. To access the inside of your phalanx, I will incise the skin  on top of the middle finger, then straight through the Extensor Tendon down to bone. I will then open a “lid’, creating a window through which I am going to scoop out the jelly- like material. At the end of the procedure, I will replace the bony lid back where it was harvested. It usually reattaches to the rest of the bone within 6 weeks.

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After the operation

• You are going home same day, with a big bandage on your hand; you won’t be able to do anything with your right hand for a week. 

• I will see you after a week in the clinic, when I will reduce the bandage. 

• After 2 weeks from operation, I would then remove the stitches and make sure your hand is splinted properly. 

• You will need to wear a FUTURO SPLINT for 2 months , from the operation, during which time I recommend you do not lift heavy objects and similar.

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possible COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGERY

 

• Recurrence rate following curettage is <5% 

• infection

• stiffness

• pain in the finger

• a tender scar

• nerve damage (it would affect finger sensation for a couple of months)

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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

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CRPS is a particularly troublesome complication which I have seen couple of times. Unless some basic information are discussed at this stage, patients can feel quite distressed, if that happens to them, because of its peculiarities.

It is a syndrome, characterised by unusual pain in the operated area that can last several months after its onset, requiring specialist treatment.

It is not fully understood and surgeons cannot predict who will be affected.

Mild CRPS occurs in 5% of patients. It results in pain, stiffness and swelling, out of proportion to the surgery; the pain is poorly controlled by simple painkillers and may be experienced as burning, electric shock like and is very unpleasant. If your pain is not controlled by painkillers, you will have to be referred to a specialist.