Ollier Disease: A Case Report and Review of Treatment Options

Ollier disease is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by the formation of multiple enchondromas (enchondromatosis), typically in the long bones of the extremities. These tumors are benign but can become complicated by the development of pathologic fractures, limb deformity, and malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma. Ollier disease has a highly variable presentation and is associated with a range of presenting findings; however, the most common presentation is a pathologic fracture. Surgical options include curettage and grafting of the enchondromas and, when displaced, fracture reduction and fixation. Of note, these fractures will heal without surgery. Regardless, all patients must be routinely monitored with yearly radiographs in order to detect malignant transformation as early as possible.  In this report, we describe the case of an 11-year-old female who presented to her physician with pain and swelling of her right ring and small fingers after playing in a swimming pool with no obvious mechanism of trauma. A routine, plain radiographic evaluation of her hand revealed the presence of multiple enchondromatosis. We hope to use this case to highlight the surgical management options for young patients with Ollier disease and discuss circumstances in which surgical management may not be indicated.