Recurrence in Patients With Chondroblastoma Is Not Associated With Use of Surgical Adjuvants: A Single Center Retrospective Review.

Background and objectives: Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign bone tumor that affects the epiphyses of long bones in young patients. This study describes the incidence of recurrence in our cohort and its association with adjuvants. Secondary objectives include identifying risk factors for recurrence and the development of angular deformity.

Methods: A retrospective review from 2004 to 2021 examined pediatric patients surgically treated for chondroblastoma. Eligible patients had at least 6 months of follow-up, initial non-recurrent tumors, and complete chart data. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, tumor location, treatment details, recurrence, and postoperative complications.

Results: Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 13.7 ± 2.5 years, mean follow-up 27.1 ± 12.9 months). Tumors were most common in the femur (43.6%, 17/39). Four individuals experienced recurrence (10.3%, 4/39). There was no significant association between recurrence and mechanical adjuvants (p = 0.464), chemical adjuvants (p = 0.387), and thermal adjuvants (p = 0.078). There was also no significant association with female sex (p = 0.058), age (p = 0.703), or tumor size (p = 0.425). Two patients developed angular deformity (5.1%, 2/39). Location did not affect angular deformity development or growth disturbance.

Conclusions: We found no significant link between adjuvant type and recurrence in chondroblastoma treatment. Both angular deformity cases occurred in tibial lesions (16.7%, 2/12). Physicians should consider these findings for patient follow-up and family counseling on long-term outcomes after chondroblastoma treatment.

Level of evidence: Level III.