Management of benign bone tumors in a tertiary hospital in North West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tumors originating from bone and cartilage are mostly benign with distinct feature of non-metastasis. Such tumors may occur in any bone of the skeleton, and are more frequent in the younger age group. Complete excision and curettage as the main modality of treatment is in most of the cases adequate with satisfactory outcomes. This study reviewed the histological types of primary benign bone tumors and results of various surgical options of treatment offered. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with histologically confirmed benign bone tumors arising from upper and lower limbs were retrospectively selected over 13-year period from August 2007 to August 2020 and analyzed. Results: Twenty-two patients were males while 17 were females. Age range is between 3 and 53 years, mean of 24.8 years with highest frequency in the third decade. Histological types were 18 giant cell tumors, 14 osteochondromas, 3 Ecchondromas, 2 Enchondromas and 2 Ossifying fibromas. Twenty five patients had excisional biopsy alone, 6 had excisional biopsy and bone grafting, 3 had limb amputation/dis articulation, 2 had excision with limb reconstruction using dynamic external devices, a patient underwent excision with bone cementing, one had excision and joint replacement (hip hemiarthroplasty), and another one had excision and joint arthrodesis. Conclusion: Benign bone tumors remain largely asymptomatic accounting for the late presentation. Excisional biopsy alone remains the commonest modality of treatment with good result. Giant cell tumor remained the commonest benign tumor in our center. Population based study is needed to assess its true epidemiology.