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

Abstract

Background: Benign tumors of the hand present in a wide array of histological subtypes and compose most of the bony tissue tumors in the hand. This study evaluates the characteristics and treatment of benign bone tumors in light of one institution’s experience. Methods: Histologically confirmed benign tumors of the hand were retrospectively identified using International Classification of Diseases codes from 1992 to 2015. A medical chart review was conducted to collect patient characteristics and tumor epidemiology and treatment. Results: A total of 155 benign bone tumors were identified. The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 39.9 ± 12.8 years. All bone tumors were located in the digits, and most were treated by intralesional curettage (n = 118, 76%). Pathologic fractures occurred in 79 bone tumors (51%). Conclusion: Enchondromas (n = 118, 76%) were the most common bone tumor in this series, whereas giant cell tumors were the most destructive and also had the highest recurrence rate (40%). Awareness of tumor features may help physicians with diagnosis, and awareness of recurrence rates is important when counseling patients.

Kirschner Wires and Bone Allograft Salvage Finger Motion in Pathologic Fracture of Middle Phalanx Enchondroma: A Case Report

“…It is estimated that 90% of primary hand tumors are enchondromas [ 2 ]. While enchondromas are typically painless and slow growing in nature, they may progress with eventual destruction of the phalanges, hence the frequency of pathologic fracture.…”

“…These lesions are slow growing, benign tumors of hyaline cartilage derived from abnormal intramedullary cartilaginous cell proliferation. It is estimated that one-third of all enchondromas occur in the hand, most frequently affecting the proximal phalanges, followed by the middle phalanges, metacarpals, and distal phalanges [ 2 ]. Because there are no definitive clinical symptoms of hand enchondromas, pathologic fracture is a common initial presentation.…”

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

“…It is distinguished histologically by a chondroid and fibrous matrix with myxoid content. The treatment options for this lesion range from excision to curettage, with curettage having a greater chance of recurrence [ 3 , 42 ].…”

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

“…Giant cell tumor (GCT) in the small bones of the hand is a benign but locally aggressive osteolytic bone tumor [ 1 ]. The tumors generally arise in the metaphyseal regions with an incidence of 1 %–5 % in the hand [ [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] ]. GCT of the phalangeal bones is very rare.…”