Chondroblastoma

Chondroblastoma is a rare type of non-cancerous tumor that develops in the cartilage at the end of long bones, near the growth plate, in arms at the shoulder, or in legs at the hip or knee. While it can affect people of any age, it is most often seen in children and young adults, with about 80 percent of patients being males under the age of 25. The tumors likely originate in immature cartilage producing cells. The most common symptoms of chondroblastoma are pain, joint stiffness, fluid in the joints, and muscular atrophy, or wasting of the surrounding muscle. Since the tumor is within the bone, there is not a lump or mass that can be felt.

The Musculoskeletal Joint and Oncologic Surgery Clinic, operated by UAB Orthopaedics, uses a collaborative team approach to care for patients with cancer of the bones or soft tissue. Our compassionate and experienced physicians use the most advanced technology for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients. We work closely with our patients every step of the way to help them understand their case, make the most informed medical decisions, and ensure that they receive the most personalized care. Our clinic is part of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital for cancer care in Alabama and among the top 25 in the nation. Appointments are available within one week or less.

UAB Medicine is home to the only two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal cancer surgeons in the state, and they have dozens of years of experience. Our medical center is the largest in Alabama, so patients have access to recognized experts in a wide range of medical specialties. Because UAB is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients may be able to take part in clinical research trials of promising new cancer therapies. We are the only hospital in the region that offers surgical treatment for soft tissue and bone tumors of the extremities and pelvis.

The board-certified physicians in the Musculoskeletal Joint and Oncologic Surgery Clinic have years of training in orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal oncology, and they are leaders in their field. Our doctors are included on the “Best Doctors in America” and “Top Doctors for Cancer” lists, and they are active members of groups such as the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, the Connective Tissue Oncology Society, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Care Providers

Lisa Kafchinski, MD Hip and Knee Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Oncology, Orthopedic Surgery Herrick Siegel, MD Hip and Knee Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Oncology, Orthopedic Surgery James Snider, III, MD Radiation Oncology

Resources

• Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Chondroblastoma

Related Specialties

• Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
  MRI