When an enchondroma is detected, it is important to seek the opinion of a physician whose competence is beyond doubt. In some cases, surgery is mandatory, while in others, doctors simply monitor the development of the benign tumor without resorting to therapy. Such a serious question as the necessity or unnecessary nature of surgery can only be resolved by a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon. Such specialists work at the Top Ichilov clinic. Their conclusions about the severity of the disease are based on the results of high-precision diagnostics that eliminate errors. Treatment protocols for patients at the clinic are based on international guidelines, and orthopedic surgeons employ progressive therapeutic methods.
It is also important that the clinic has created comfortable conditions for patients of all ages. The patient and their relatives do not feel that they are left to fend for themselves: a case manager accompanies them to procedures, introduces them to doctors and other staff, and suggests how to make the most of their free time from treatment. Even before arrival, a clinic staff member contacts the client and helps resolve all household issues regarding accommodation. Almost all patients are satisfied with how the treatment of enchondroma in Israel went: reviews about the professionalism of the doctors at the Top Ichilov clinic are very positive.
This type of benign tumor most often develops in children and adolescents, with the peak incidence occurring between the ages of 11 and 16. Timely treatment of enchondroma in Israel allows young people to lead a full life in the future.
Treatment methods for enchondroma in Israel
The choice of therapy tactics primarily depends on the location of the tumor. If it is localized in a short tubular bone (finger phalanges, foot), the risk of it transforming into a malignant tumor is minimal. Therefore, treatment of enchondroma without surgery in Israel usually consists of periodic examinations and regular assessments of the affected area. However, if the enchondroma is located in long tubular bones (humerus, forearm, femur, tibia) or flat bones (scapula, pelvis), specialists recommend its removal. Timely removal of the enchondroma helps avoid its transformation into a malignant tumor, compression of internal organs, or pathological fractures. Generally, after the removal of the enchondroma, it does not recur.
Surgical removal of enchondroma
The methods for treating enchondroma in Israel surgically are chosen based on the size of the tumor and the bone in which it is located. The tumor grows inside the bone, so the surgeon's task is to open the bone and remove the neoplasm.
Curettage is a procedure in which the tumor is scraped out without removing part of the bone. The surgeon drills a hole in the bone and removes the tumor through it. A special medical filler - bone graft or bone cement - is placed in the cavity left after the tumor is removed. The latter, upon hardening, generates a lot of heat, thereby destroying any remaining tumor cells.
Cryosurgery. This method refers to a gentle type of bone resection, allows for improved treatment outcomes for enchondroma and eliminates recurrence. The process consists of four stages: first, access to the tumor is achieved, then the segment affected by the tumor is resected, in the third stage, the bone wound is instilled with a cryoagent, and in the final stage, bone defect reconstruction is performed.
Although recurrence of enchondroma is very rare, it can still occur. The recurrence of this benign tumor increases the risk of its malignancy, so Israeli doctors also perform extended (ablative) resections in this case. Even before the tumor transforms into a malignant one, an extended ablative resection is performed: the tumor is removed along with surrounding tissues, followed by bone tissue transplantation.
For bone augmentation, Israeli surgeons use either the patient's own bone tissue taken from areas where bone formation occurs rapidly (for example, from the femur, rib, or skull vault) or donor material. During the transplantation process, the created hole in the bone is closed with an implant, and the area around it is sprinkled with pieces of natural bone. The transplantation initiates the biological stimulation process for bone tissue restoration. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
If, as a result of the surgical intervention, there is a shortening of the limb, Israeli surgeons perform its lengthening using the Precice system. This is a more progressive method of limb lengthening compared to the Ilizarov apparatus. A single central implant is placed in the bone marrow canal of the bone. The length of the implant can be changed without surgical intervention, using a magnetic field.
If the disease is accompanied by pathological fractures, surgical intervention is performed after the fracture treatment.
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Diagnosis of enchondroma in Israel
To determine which treatment method to choose in this specific case, a thorough diagnosis of the disease is conducted at the Top Ichilov clinic. The entire diagnostic procedure is completed as quickly as possible: the clinic has a laboratory equipped with the most modern diagnostic equipment. Typically, doctors need only three days of the patient's stay in Israel to obtain a clear picture of the disease and develop an optimal treatment plan.
First day
The day of arrival in Israel. The patient and their companions are met at the airport by a clinic representative who speaks Russian. On the same day, they meet with an orthopedic surgeon who conducts an initial examination and prescribes necessary tests.
Second day
On this day, diagnostics are performed. This may include the following studies:
- X-ray. A traditional and reliable method for diagnosing enchondroma. Generally provides a hundred percent chance of detecting a neoplasm in the bone.
- CT (computed tomography). It is used to detect tumors in the shoulder girdle, spine, or pelvic bones. The Top Ichilov clinic uses a fourth-generation tomograph. It differs from older models in that the radiation exposure during the study is minimal.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Conducted for examining the spine. The MRI procedure is performed on an innovative device with a resolution of 3 tesla. It can detect a neoplasm at the earliest stage of development.
- Bone scanning using a radioisotope method. A more effective technique for detecting formations compared to radiography. It is used when there is suspicion of the pathology spreading to adjacent tissues.
- Biopsy. The diagnosis of enchondroma in Israel cannot do without a biopsy, which allows for the exclusion of a malignant nature of the tumor.
Third day
When all test results are ready, a council of doctors is convened. An oncologist, orthopedic surgeon, and surgeon collaboratively develop the most optimal treatment method for enchondroma in this specific case. The patient is given recommendations regarding the advisability of surgery.
Treatment of enchondroma in Israel: cost
Perhaps this is a question that everyone considering the assistance of Israeli doctors asks themselves. It should be noted that the final cost depends on the severity of the disease, the results of diagnostics, and the overall health condition of the patient. The established prices for the treatment of enchondroma in Israel are 30-50% lower than in clinics in Europe and America. This is why foreign patients often choose treatment in Israel.
Advantages of treating enchondroma at the Top Ichilov clinic
- High-precision diagnostics. Thanks to the use of the latest diagnostic equipment, patients are guaranteed an accurate diagnosis. Errors are excluded! Therefore, patients can be confident that they will not undergo surgery without extreme necessity. Treatment of enchondroma without surgery in Israel allows patients and their relatives to monitor the dynamics of tumor development without worrying that the neoplasm will affect their full life.
- Support. The clinic's case manager will ensure that the stay in Israel is as comfortable as possible. Upon request, accommodation will be booked in advance, and tickets ordered. Transportation to the clinic, transfers, and assistance with many other everyday issues will be organized.
- Efficiency. Examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan selection will not take much time. There will be no need to spend weeks or even months waiting to see the right specialist; everything will take three to four days.
- Prices. The level of orthopedic development in Israel is high, while prices are 30-50% lower than in Europe. Patients receive medical care at a world-class level without overpaying.