Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign, aggressive cartilaginous tumor originating in the ends of the long bones, including the femur, tibia, and humerus. The patella (knee), triquetral (hand), or calcaneus and talus (foot) may be involved. Chondroblastoma most commonly presents between the ages of 10 and 20 years, with a slight male predominance.
Characterized by moderate, persistent, localized joint pain, tenderness, and swelling, regardless of activity level. Other signs and symptoms may include a pathologic fracture, muscle atrophy, or a joint effusion or erosion of the joint.
Caution should be taken to rule out malignancy such as osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma. Management usually involves curettage with bone graft. Larger areas of bone destruction have been successfully reconstructed with osteoarticular allograft.