Excision of a Chondroma from the Plantar Foot Accompanied by Application of an External Continuous Tissue Expander to Facilitate Wound Closure: A Case Report

Abstract

Extra skeletal chondromas, also known as chondromas of the soft parts, are benign cartilaginous tumors which can arise de novo from soft tissue. They are extremely rare with a predilection for the extremities, particularly the hands and the feet. A review of the published data reveals ample literature highlighting the recognition and management of these kinds of tumors involving the sole of the foot. However, there is limited data addressing the facility of wound closure in the presence of a large soft tissue defect that can potentially be the result of tumor excision. We discuss our findings in the context of a case of a 70 year old male, who presented with such an anomaly involving the plantar aspect of his right foot. Biopsy of the lesion prior to surgery was consistent with a chondroma. We present a dual approach to treatment of this condition involving both the excision and simultaneous wound revision process by utilizing a Derma Close® tissue expander. With the aid of this device, we were able to excise the soft tissue mass and primarily close our surgical site by minimizing the tension at the wound edges.