Chondroblastoma in a Distal Phalanx of the Great Toe – A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign appearing lesion arising in the epiphysis of long bones in skeletally immature individuals. It is a cartilage-producing neoplasm constituting < 1% of all bone tumors. A 16 years old girl presented to orthopedic OPD of tertiary care hospital with swelling of her left great toe for 3 years. The swelling was insidious at onset and gradually progressed to the present size of 3.5x2.5x2 cm. Radiographic examination shows an osteolytic lesion and coarse trabeculation in the distal phalanx of the great toe suggestive of a benign bone tumor. Histopathological examination showed classical features of chondroblastoma. Post-operative follow-up was uneventful and radiological examination was normal. Flat bones like the pelvis, ribs, vertebrae, scapula, and craniofacial bones are other uncommon locations. The tumor recurrence rate is increased when the tumor is having limited resection due to the site of the tumor. Turcotte et al . reported the highest recurrence rate of tumors in flat temporal bones with recurrence within 6 months to 8 years. Chondroblastoma, an uncommon primary bone tumor presenting at the distal phalanx of the great toe was extremely rare.