JORR
Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation

The Journal of Orthopedics Research and Rehabilitation welcomes scholarly papers in orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, physiotherapy, neurology and clinic anesthesiology and reanimation.

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Original Article
Differential diagnosis and management of cartilage-derived tumors in the upper extremity: a focus on osteochondroma and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation
Abstract
Aims: Among cartilage-derived tumors in the hand, osteochondroma is the second most common benign lesion after enchondromas. Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) is particularly rare in the hand and may be confused with malignant processes. This study presents the outcomes of surgically treated exophytic benign bone masses. The aim is to differentiate between these two lesions, which are very similar clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically.
Methods: Nine patients who underwent surgery due to a mass in the hand, with a histopathological diagnosis of osteochondroma-BPOP, were included in the study. Surgeries were performed under axillary anesthesia by a single surgeon certified in hand surgery. The demographic data of the patients, characteristics of the mass, and associated clinical findings were recorded. Functional outcomes at the final outpatient follow-up after mass excision were assessed using VAS and q-DASH scores. Surgical complications and recurrence were also investigated.
Results: The average age of the patients participating in the study was 40 years (range: 14-64 years). The average follow-up period after surgery was 30 months (range: 8-120 months). A total of 9 patients underwent surgery due to a palpable mass, with histopathologically confirmed diagnoses reporting 6 cases of solitary osteochondroma and 3 cases of BPOP. During the follow-up period, 1 patient developed a recurrent mass, and this patient with a diagnosis of BPOP underwent reoperation. Clinically, all patients experienced a resolution of preoperative complaints, and significant improvements were observed in clinical scores.
Conclusion: Symptomatic classical osteochondroma and BPOP lesions cause concern for patients. Successful outcomes can be achieved through surgical excision. However, after excluding malignancy, it is important to differentiate between these lesions. It will be beneficial to be aware of the high recurrence rates in cases considered similar to osteochondroma excision, such as BPOP lesions, and to maintain a diligent follow-up.

Keywords : Hand, benign, osteochondroma, bizarre parosteal osteochondromatosis proliferation

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 28-33
https://doi.org/10.51271/JORR-0067
Article Information
Received : 18 Mar 2026
Accepted : 26 Nis 2026
Published : 30 Nis 2026
Corresponding Author :

Hüseyin Utku Özdeş: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Özdeş HU, Ergen U, Tok O, Ertem K, Ertem H, Balıkçı Çiçek İ. Differential diagnosis and management of cartilage-derived tumors in the upper extremity: a focus on osteochondroma and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation. J Orthop Res Rehabil. 2026;4(2):28-33.

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