Giant-cell reparative granuloma of short tubular bones of the hands and feet

Abstract

Eight cases of giant-cell reparative granuloma were encountered in the short tubular bones of the hands and feet. This entity was originally described by Jaffe as a jaw lesion. Subsequently the lesion was found in the skull and facial bones. The name "giant cell reaction" was applied to similar lesions found in the short tubular bones of hands and feet. Thirteen prior cases have been reported and none recurred. Of the eight new cases described herein, four have recurred one or more times, requiring further treatment. No association with hyperparathyroidism was found. We prefer to designate these lesions as giant cell reparative granulomas of extragnathic sites. Because of overlapping ultrastructural and light-microscopic features, as well as similar biologic behavior, we feel that aneurysmal bone cyst and these giant-cell reparative lesions represent related responses to intraosseous hemorrhage.