ENCHONDROMA EXCISION

If  need an enchondroma, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Enchondroma Excision?

Enchondroma excision is a surgical procedure performed to remove an enchondroma, which is a benign tumor that arises from cartilage. Enchondromas most commonly occur in the bones of the hands and feet and are usually asymptomatic. However, in some cases, they may cause pain, fracture, or other complications, necessitating surgical intervention.

The Enchondroma Excision Procedure: Enchondroma excision is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general or regional anesthesia. The surgical steps involved in the procedure are as follows:

1. Incision: An incision is made over the area where the enchondroma is located. The size and location of the incision depend on the size and location of the tumor.
2. Tumor Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the enchondroma from the affected bone while preserving as much healthy bone and surrounding tissues as possible.
3. Bone Graft (if necessary): In some cases where the enchondroma has caused a significant bone defect or fracture, a bone graft may be performed to fill the defect and promote bone healing.
4. Closure: Once the tumor is excised, the incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.
5. Pathological Examination: The excised tumor is sent for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of enchondroma and rule out any malignant transformation (chondrosarcoma).

Recovery and Rehabilitation: After enchondroma excision, the patient may experience some pain and discomfort around the surgical site. Pain medications are typically prescribed to manage post-operative pain. The patient may need to keep the affected limb elevated to reduce swelling.

Physical therapy and exercises are often prescribed to improve range of motion, strength, and function of the affected limb during the recovery phase. The recovery time varies depending on the size and location of the tumor and the extent of surgical intervention. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks to months after the surgery.

Complications and Risks: Enchondroma excision is generally a safe procedure. However, like any surgical intervention, there are some potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, recurrence of the tumor, and healing problems.

It is important for patients to carefully follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments for proper wound care and to monitor the healing process. If any signs of infection or complications develop, the surgeon should be notified promptly.

The decision to perform enchondroma excision is based on the patient’s specific condition, symptoms, and imaging findings. Before proceeding with the surgery, the surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of the procedure with the patient.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.