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Adjunctive treatment of enchondromas with CO2 laser
D W Giles1, S J Miller, G M Rayan
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center/Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City 73112, USA.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
Fourteen enchondromas, in eight patients, involving the tubular bones of the hand, were treated with curettage, CO2 laser sterilization of the tumor margins followed by autologous bone grafting. Average follow-up time was 35.4 months (14-106 months). Average patients age was 29 years.
Results:
At follow-up there were no clinical recurrences, none had pain, and all patients reported satisfactory hand function without limitations. Minimal decrease in range of motion without functional limitation was encountered following excision of two lesions (14%) in one patient. One patient reported an increase in range of motion after excision. Grip strength was only minimally decreased. There was no radiographic evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion:
The use of CO2 laser is safe and effective as an adjunct to curettage and bone grafting in the management of relatively large enchondromas of the tubular bones of the hand.