Minimally invasive technique for curettage of chondroblastoma using endoscopic technique

C. Errani, F. Traina, M. Chehrassan, D. Donati, C. Faldini

Orthopaedic Service, Rizzoli Institute, Rizzoli-Sicilia, Bagheria (PA), Italy. costantino.errani@ior.it

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• Orthopedics

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor. The treatment for chondroblastoma usually consists of curettage of the lesion and packing the tumor cavity with bone grafts or bone cement. However, chondroblastomas are known to recur in 10% to 20% of cases after excision, possibly because the incomplete removal of pathological tissue at surgery.

We present a case of chondroblastoma in the distal femur treated by endoscopic curettage, which allowed a complete resection of tumor tissue and a minimal damage of the bone. The patient had relief of symptoms, rapid function restoration and no local recurrence.

Endoscopic curettage is a promising new treatment for chondroblastoma. In fact, the extra-articular technique enters the tumor cavity via a tunnel drilled through the medullary canal, allowing to visualize possible residual tumor tissue or defects of the articular surface, without violating the joint and without taking away a much bigger cortical window.

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