Chondroblastoma Around the Knee Treated with Curettage and Bone Grafting: An Observational Study of 12 Cases from a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Chondroblastomas are uncommon benign cartilage-forming tumors that are usually found in the epiphyses of long bones in skeletally immature patients. Though their benign nature is well appreciated, their proximity to the joint surface and growth plate creates management challenges. Objective: To review the presentation, surgical intervention, and outcome of 12 cases of chondroblastoma around the knee. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with histologically proven chondroblastoma of the distal femur, proximal tibia, or patella. Curettage and bone grafting were performed in all the patients with careful attention to exposure and articular cartilage preservation. Clinical presentation, imaging, operative findings, complications, and follow-up results were recorded. Results: There were nine males and three females, aged between 14 and 38 years. Seven tumors were found in the proximal tibia, four were found in the distal femur, and one was found in the patella. MRI played a crucial role in defining the size and site of the lesions. Seven tibial cases were treated by a posterior approach, and femoral and patellar lesions by parapatellar approaches. All the patients showed complete recovery with consolidation of bone on radiographs and attained complete functional recovery without recurrence after a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusions: Chondroblastomas of the knee area are challenging for diagnosis and surgery because of their location. Early diagnosis and proper surgical strategy with meticulous curettage and bone grafting can lead to excellent results. Knowledge regarding this tumor's imaging and clinical presentation enables early intervention and good prognoses.