What is an enchondroma?
An enchondroma is a benign tumor that most commonly grows in the small bones of the hand. It usually affects the cartilage that lines the bones. Enchondromas can also occur in other long bones, such as the femur, humerus, and tibia.
What are the symptoms of an enchondroma?
Swelling in the hand
Pain in the hand
Enlarged growth of a finger
Delayed or weakened bone growth
When does an enchondroma require surgery?
Dr. Azouz will review x-ray images of the hand to visualize the enchondroma and check the alignment of the bones. Surgical removal is required, especially if it is affecting bone growth and pain. If patients choose conservative measures, it is important to consistently monitor the tumor with a hand surgeon like Dr. Azouz.
How is enchondroma surgery performed?
Dr. Azouz will remove the enchondroma and in some cases, perform a bone graft to replace the weakened bone to provide strength and improve bone density. He can also repair any nearby fractures using pins or screws.