Giant cell tumour of foot bones - 25 years experience in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence of giant cell tumour in foot, its clinical features, stage of tumour, treatment and outcome of surgery.

Methods: This retrospective case series study was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, and comprised cases of giant cell tumour of foot bones diagnosed between January 1990 and March 2015. Tumour Incidence, type of procedure and results were recorded on a proforma and analysed for function outcome and recurrence. Clinical and radiological follow-up was done for a maximum 6 years.

Results: There were 240 cases of giant cell tumour but only 13(5.4%) related to foot bones. Of them, 8 (3.3%) were females and 5(2.0%) males. The mean age was 25 years (SD 10.59) (range: 17-38 years). In 7 (2.9%) cases lesion was in metatarsals, 2(0.8%) cases in phalanges, 3(1.2%) cases in calcaneus and 1(0.4%) case in talus. Duration of symptoms ranged from 4 to 12 months. All presented with radiologically stage 2 or 3 lesions. Resection of tumour and reconstruction with fibular graft was performed in 5(2.0%) cases, excision/curettage and filling cavity with cancellous bone graft in 5(2.0%) cases, resection in 2(0.8%) cases and toe amputation in 1(0.4%) case. There was recurrence in 2(0.4%) cases. No other complication was noted on last follow-up.

Conclusions: Giant cell tumour in foot bones is a rare tumour and shows specific clinical and radiographic features with early involvement of entire bones, more aggressive behaviour with recurrence potential. The preferred treatment options are resection with reconstruction, curettage and filling cavity with bone graft/cement and amputation.

Keywords: Giant cell tumour, Bone, Foot, Aggressive, Recurrence, Curettage..