Treatment of Solitary Enchondromas of the Hand with Curettage Alone: A Multicenter Study and Case Series of 10 Patients

Keywords: Enchondroma, hand, curettage, bone graft, DASH

Abstract

Introduction: Enchondroma is the most common benign bone tumor of the hand. Intralesional curettage is the standard treatment, although the use of bone grafting remains controversial because of its associated morbidity. Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intralesional curettage alone, without bone grafting, in patients with solitary enchondromas of the hand. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 10 patients with solitary enchondromas of the hand treated with curettage alone. Demographic data, lesion location, time to radiographic healing, and functional outcomes assessed using the DASH questionnaire were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 34.6 years. Complete radiographic healing was achieved at a mean of 4.4 months. The mean DASH score was 4.9. No recurrences, postoperative fractures, or complications were recorded. Conclusions: Intralesional curettage alone is a safe and effective treatment for enchondromas of the hand, providing predictable bone healing and excellent functional outcomes while avoiding the morbidity associated with bone grafting.

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Author Biographies

Ricardo Allan, Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Luis Paladino, Upper Limb Surgery Team, Sanatorio de la Trinidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Surgery Team, Sanatorio de la Trinidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Juan Martín Cardozo, Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Gonzalo Defelitto , Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upper Limb Surgery Team, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Published
2026-08-29
How to Cite
Allan, R., Paladino, L., Cardozo, J. M., & Defelitto , G. (2026). Treatment of Solitary Enchondromas of the Hand with Curettage Alone: A Multicenter Study and Case Series of 10 Patients. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 91(4), 323-329. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2026.91.4.2305
Section
Clinical Research