Incidental Finding of an Atypical Cartilaginous Tumor in an Adult Female with Recurrent Patellar Dislocation: Single-stage Extended Curettage using Freezing Nitrogen Ethanol Composite followed by Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Atypical cartilaginous tumor (ACT) refers to a low-grade cartilaginous neoplasm microscopically identical to grade 1 chondrosarcoma, affecting the appendicular skeleton. Treatment with intralesional curettage has been found to provide sufficient local control with less morbidity compared to wide resection. This is the first reported case of a simultaneous medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with extended curettage for ACT on the ipsilateral femur. A 45-year-old female presented with chronic recurrent patellar dislocation of the right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tear of the MPFL, with an incidental epi-metaphyseal chondroid lesion. After biopsy confirmed an ACT, single-stage extended curettage using freezing nitrogen ethanol composite (FNEC) and MPFL reconstruction was performed, followed by augmentation with bone cement and a distal femoral plate. Currently, the patient is independently ambulatory, with full range of motion about the knee. Following histologic confirmation of an ACT in the setting of a concurrent MCL tear, a single-stage procedure to address both conditions is a viable option that can reduce complications associated with multiple surgeries. Extended curettage using FNEC has been shown to produce good short-term oncologic outcomes while maximizing function.