Distal phalangeal bone cysts: differentiation of enchondromata and epidermal cysts

Enchondromas are common in the hand but less frequent in the distal phalanges. Epidermal cysts are rare in the hand but when they occur can be difficult to differentiate from enchondromas both clinically and radiologically. Our review of seven distal phalangeal bone lesions treated over 7 years incl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of hand surgery, European volume Vol. 35; no. 2; p. 144
Main Authors Momeni, A, Iblher, N, Herget, G, Bley, T, Stark, G B, Bannasch, H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.02.2010
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Bone Cysts - pathology
Bone Neoplasms - pathology
Child
Chondroma - pathology
Diagnosis, Differential
Epidermal Cyst - pathology
Female
Fingers
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
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Summary:Enchondromas are common in the hand but less frequent in the distal phalanges. Epidermal cysts are rare in the hand but when they occur can be difficult to differentiate from enchondromas both clinically and radiologically. Our review of seven distal phalangeal bone lesions treated over 7 years included four enchondromas and three epidermal cysts. The patients with epidermal cysts all had a history of previous penetrating trauma 5-8 years earlier. One patient with an enchondroma had a history of a penetrating injury. Patients presenting with distal phalangeal lesions and a history of previous penetrating injury appear more likely to have an epidermal cyst than an enchondroma. This is important as there may be a higher recurrence rate following curettage and bone grafting.
ISSN:2043-6289
DOI:10.1177/1753193409349957