Chondroblastoma during the growing age.

Chondroblastoma is a benign tumor of bone with a relatively high incidence in older children and adolescents. The regions of the shoulder, hip, and knee are mainly affected, with preference for the epiphysis. Treatment currently consists of excochleation, bone grafts, and sometimes adjuvant therapy such as phenol cauterization or cryosurgery. Because the tumor often is localized near a joint or growth plate, functional impairment and growth disturbances could be expected. Recurrences also are a major concern. A brief overview is given, as well as a presentation of 116 cases in the growing age group from the material of the Dutch Bone Tumor Committee. It seems justified to conclude that most lesions will heal with proper excochleation and bone graft, but there is a reasonable chance of recurrence. Loss of function as well as growth disturbances were not commonly seen in our series. One case of metastasis was found.