To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for enchondromas of the hand with heterograft bone substitute instead of bone autograft.

We reviewed the radiographs of 15 patients that were followed for a minimum of 6 months. From January 1995 to May, 2000, fifteen patients that were treated with heterograft bone and could be followed-up for at least 6 months were retrospectively studied. Clinical, radiological and histological results were evaluated.

Clinically excellent in 5, good in 10. Radiologic result was 12 in Group 1, 3 in Group 2, the average consolidation duration was 8 months (5-11 months). The typical histologic findings of enchondroma by intraoperative specimens were hyaline cartilage, myxoid degeneration, calcification, and enchondral ossification. Grafted heterograft bone was incorporated via physiologic remodelling without significant problems. No signigicant complications occurred.

We believe that heterograft bone is a good treatment option for enchondromas of the hand, given the disadvantages of bone autografts or allografts.