Benign Bone Tumors of the Upper Extremities in Children

Bone tumors are rare in children. Most bone tumors tend to involve the areas of fastest growth. Lower extremity tumors are more common than upper extremity ones, however upper extremity bone tumors do occur and can have a negative impact in the child's activities. Luckily, most bone tumors seen in children are benign and can be effectively treated by means of observation or local control by surgery. In this article we review and discuss the diagnosis and management of the most common pediatric benign bone tumors seen in the upper extremities including unicameral bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst, fibrous cortical defect, non-ossifying fibroma, osteochondroma, osteoid osteoma and enchondroma.