​Chondroblastoma

Chondroblastoma, also called the Codman’s tumour, is a rare benign (noncancerous) tumour that develops in the cartilage, a flexible connective tissue from which most bones grow. This tumour mostly develops within the end of the long bones, such as in the arms at the shoulder, and in the legs at the hip and knee. The exact cause of chondroblastoma is not known, but it is thought to develop from the growth plates, a small section of the cartilage important for bone growth, which is present at the end of the long bones. 

It can affect people of any age but is mostly found in children and young adults. It is more prevalent in men than in women. Chondroblastoma is one of those rare tumours that have the potential to spread to the lungs.

Symptoms due to chondroblastoma depend on their location in the body. However, the most common symptom you may encounter is pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Joint stiffness

  • Withered or shrunken appearance of the muscle near affected bone

  • A limp ​


You can consult one of our highly esteemed doctors working with the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital the only internationally accredited hospital in Pakistan, if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms. ​
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Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started. ​
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Your doctor may begin the diagnosis by inquiring about your medical history and performing a physical exam to look for tenderness over the bone. Following this you may be asked to undergo the following tests:

  • X-rays in which a small amount of radiation will be used to generate an image of the bones and organs to detect the presence of tumour

  • CT (Computerized Tomography) scans in which a series of detailed images, of the body, will be taken by a computer. This is done to produce a more detailed image

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans in which a series of detailed images of the body will be made on the computer using a magnet and radio waves. This is done to produce better images of soft tissues

  • Biopsy in which a tissue sample of the tumour will be extracted to be studied under the microscope​


Pain due to Chondroblastoma can be persistent and disturbing. At the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital your doctor’s goal will be to ease this pain by removing the tumour and preventing damage to the bone end. Your treatment options will include:

  • Curettage: the tumour will be scrapped out of the bone. Recurrence of tumour after this procedure is rare.

  • Bone graft: performed after the curettage to fill the hole left behind by the tumour, in which a healthy bone will be transplanted from another part of the body, or from a donor, into the affected area.

  • Resection: the entire section of the affected bone will be removed. If the tumour spreads to the lungs or other organs, the compromised areas of the organs may also be removed.

  • Physical therapy: to restore strength and function post-surgery. ​


The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage. ​


Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage ​


The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.