Incidental diagnosis of middle phalanx enchondroma during surgical management of a traumatic fracture. A case report

Background: Chondromas are benign cartilaginous tumors and are the most common primary bone tumors of the hand. They are often discovered incidentally or associated with pathological fractures. Management strategies vary, especially when the lesion is identified during the treatment of acute trauma. Case presentation: Female patient with 39-years-old presented with pain and swelling four days after blunt trauma to the third finger of her left hand. Radiographs showed a comminuted fracture of the proximal shaft of the middle phalanx and a well demarcated hypodense image measuring 8.9 × 11 mm, consistent with a bone cyst versus vs chondroma. Open reduction with percutaneous Kirschner pin fixation was performed, and the lesion was filled with freeze dried bone graft. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of chondroma. Conclusion: The incidental diagnosis of chondroma during the management of traumatic fractures highlights the importance of a thorough radiological evaluation. Freeze dried bone graft represents an effective alternative to autologous grafting, avoiding donor-site morbidity and ensuring good outcomes. Keywords: enchondroma, phalanx, trauma, autologous bone graft, curettage, hand surgery.