Outcome of intralesional curettage for low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones

Abstract

Background Different treatment strategies for low-grade chondrosarcomas are reported in the literature with variable outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological and functional outcomes associated with intralesional curettage and cementation of the lesion as a treatment strategy. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective review of 39 consecutive patients with intramedullary low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones treated by intralesional curettage and cementation at our institution between 1999 and 2005. Results There were 10 males and 29 females with a mean age of 55.5 years (32–82), and a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (3–8.7). Local recurrence occurred in two patients (5%) within the first two years following index surgery. Both were treated by re-curettage and cementation of the resultant defects. A second local recurrence developed a year later in one of these two patients, for which a further curettage followed by local liquid nitrogen treatment was performed. Overall, there were no cases of post-operative complications or metastases. The patients were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scoring system (MSTS) to determine limb function. The average score achieved was 94% (79–100%). Conclusion Intralesional curettage is an effective treatment strategy for low-grade intramedullary chondrosarcoma of long bones, with excellent oncological and functional results. Careful case selection with stringent clinical and radiographic follow-up is recommended.