Giant-cell tumors in the distal end of the radius. Treatment by resection and fibular autograft interpositional arthrodesis

Eighteen giant-cell tumors in the distal end of the radius were treated by block resection and arthrodesis of the wrist utilizing a fibular autograft. The mean length of follow-up was 7.1 years. Local recurrence occurred in five patients, and one patient died of pulmonary metastases. In five patients, non-union developed between the graft and the radius. Three patients sustained a fracture of the graft. No patient had a pseudarthrosis. The average grip strength was 40 per cent of that of the unaffected hand. Pain was absent or slight. No patient required an amputation.