THE ROENTGENOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF CHONDROBLASTOMA

Benign chondroblastoma often presents with a typical roentgenographic appearance. When the radiologist encounters this lesion in the tubular bones, he will be able to suggest the correct diagnosis in most cases. Unfortunately, when the lesion arises in flat bones (as with many bone tumors), the diagnosis is considerably more difficult. Even in this situation, the radiologist occasionally may be able to suggest the diagnosis of chondroblastoma. For example, a pelvic lesion that appears to be benign, that has a thin sclerotic rim, and that arises near the triradiate cartilage in a young male would certainly cause one to consider chondroblastoma as a possibility.

The present study revealed the following:

1. This benign cartilaginous tumor has an excellent prognosis and should be treated with conservative surgical measures.

2. Sixty per cent of the lesions occur in patients who are in the second decade, and another 20 per cent occur in those in the third decade.

3. Approximately two-thirds of the lesions occur in males.

4. About three-fourths of the lesions occur in the hip, knee, and shoulder regions.

5. Nearly all lesions are located within the epiphysis or have a significant epiphyseal component.

6. More than 90 per cent are oval lesions with well-defined margins.

7. Sixty per cent of the lesions have a thin rim of surrounding sclerosis.

8. Approximately three-fourths of the lesions are homogeneously lucent without visible calcification.

9. More than half of the lesions show cortical expansion that is frequently extensive.

10. The metaphyseal portion of the tumor may not show the characteristic sclerotic rim and sharp margin seen in the epiphysis.

11. Features that definitely occur but are relatively uncommon include pathologic fracture, trabeculation, cortical absence, and sclerosis beyond the confines of the tumor.

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