Giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract

Giant cell tumor is a locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate if not completely excised. The condition is more common among Asians than whites. During a 10-year period 44 patients, ranging in age from 12 to 51 years, were treated. The most common sites were the proximal femur and the distal radius. The aim of treatment was to excise the tumor completely. Because the tumor usually occurred at the juxtaarticular region of the bone, difficult reconstruction was expected. The authors' method of choice for filling large defects resulting from resection was to use a large vascularized bone graft from the iliac crest to enhance bone to bone corporation. The recurrence rate was low (4.5%), with only 2 recurrences: 1 at the proximal femur and the other at the proximal tibia. The functional results were highly satisfactory, with excellent stability of the joint, although in the case of the distal radius there was some degree of subluxation of the wrist joint. By applying microsurgical technique for the reconstruction, one was able to be more aggressive with excision of this locally aggressive tumor while maintaining excellent functional results. In the case of the knee, as long as 1 tibial condyle was intact, reconstruction of the other condyle using a vascularized iliac crest block maintained the joint integrity perfectly or created a pseudojoint component that was perfectly stable.