Enchondroma of the scaphoid bone

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Enchondromas are benign cartilaginous tumors that typically occur in the small bones of the hands and feet.
• The scaphoid bone, a carpal bone in the wrist, is an exceptionally rare site for enchondroma development.
• Previous literature documents only eight cases of scaphoid enchondroma, with most presenting as pathologic fractures.

Observation:

• This report focuses on an 11-year-old patient experiencing mild left wrist pain.
• The patient presented with an enchondroma in the scaphoid bone.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to clearly visualize the lesion within the scaphoid bone.

Findings:

• The case represents the youngest patient reported with a scaphoid enchondroma at 11 years old.
• Unlike previously reported cases, this patient's enchondroma did not present with a pathologic fracture.
• Diagnostic imaging, specifically MRI, effectively identified the enchondroma in the scaphoid bone.

Implications:

• This case expands the known age range for scaphoid enchondromas, suggesting they can occur in younger individuals.
• The presentation of this case, without fracture, adds to the understanding of the varied clinical manifestations of scaphoid enchondromas.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the specific characteristics and potential growth patterns of enchondromas in the scaphoid bone.