Chondroblastoma of the Femoral Head: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Chondroblastoma is a rare bone tumor predominantly affecting patients during the first and second decades of life. The purpose of this case series is to assist clinicians in establishing a proper diagnosis and treatment method for patients presenting with chondroblastoma of the femoral head. Symptoms of this tumor in the hip joint can be nonspecific, resulting in the critical delay of a proper diagnosis. Due to the aggressive nature of this tumor, an early diagnosis is vital to prevent significant local bone destruction and the potential loss of a mobile hip. The authors present a series of three adolescent patients treated by the primary investigator between 2014 and 2017 for chondroblastoma of the femoral head to help illustrate several diagnostic and treatment principles and considerations for clinicians. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at the latest follow-up was 26 points (range: 25–27). No local recurrence was reported in any patient and all individuals have returned to preoperative function, and are participating in daily activities and sports.