Chondroblastoma of the talus

Abstract

We report the case of a 13-year-old male child who presented with a painful left ankle. On imaging (radiography and computed tomography scan with 3-dimensional reconstruction views), an osteolytic lesion in the body of the talus was revealed. Open biopsy, curettage, and fibular bone grafting were done, and the specimen was sent for histopathologic examination. The histopathologic report confirmed the specimen to be chondroblastoma of the talus bone. Chondroblastoma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm that accounts for approximately 1% of all bone tumors and characteristically arises in the epiphysis of a long bone, particularly the humerus, tibia, and femur. Chondroblastoma can affect people of all ages. It is, however, most common in children and young adults aged 10 to 20 years. Chondroblastoma in a tarsal bone is a rare entity. Managing chondroblastoma of the talus with curettage and bone grafting has shown good outcomes.

Keywords: 4; ankle; biopsy; bone graft; curettage; fibula; tumor.