Treatment of solitary enchondromas in fingers

The results after operative treatment of 21 solitary enchondromas of finger bones are described. 15 cases were treated by curettage and cancellous bone grafting, five by curettage alone, and one with amputation. One case did not heal after curettage and grafting. When symptoms are present or the cortical strength is decreased, we recommend operation. We find that the eccentric type of enchondroma can be treated adequately by curettage alone, while curettage and filling of the cavity with cancellous bone should be preferred in the central and polycentric forms. It is important that all material is removed from the cyst, which has to be packed completely with bone chips. The possibility of malignant change in enchondromas should be borne in mind, but we did not see this.