Chondrosarcoma of the short tubular bones of the hands and feet

To report 12 cases of chondrosarcoma in a rare location, the short tubular bones of the hands and feet, as well as 12 cases of enchondroma in similar locations, emphasizing the radiologic and histopathologic features.

All relevant cases that had both histologic slides and radiographs available were taken from the files of one orthopedic referral hospital and the personal files of one of the authors. A similar number of enchondroma cases was selected at random from the files.

One malignancy arose in a background of enchondromatosis, with all the others being solitary lesions. A pathologic diagnosis of malignancy is often difficult in the absence of radiologic signs of malignancy (cortical destruction with or without soft tissue extension). However, three cases were unusual in that the initial radiograph demonstrated a benign appearance. Another group of three malignancies was surprisingly indolent biologically. The treatment of choice is ray resection (or more limited amputation in a lesion of the middle or distal phalanx).