Beware the “giant cell tumour” of the distal radius

The third most common site that giant cell tumours occur is the distal radius, with approximately 10% of cases occurring at that site. We report three cases where the imaging raised the possibility of giant cell tumours but biopsy has revealed an altogether more aggressive pathology. We believe biopsy is mandatory in presumed giant cell tumours, particularly those affecting the distal radius.     

Hernia mesh prevent dislocation after wide excision and reconstruction of giant cell tumor distal radius

Giant cell tumor(GCT) remains as major health problem. GCT which located at the lower end of the radius tends to be more aggressive. Wide excision and reconstruction of the wrist in stage 3 of distal radius GCT lesion is an optimal modality to prevent tumor recurrence. However, dislocation often occurs as its complication. We are reporting patient with GCT of distal radius treated with wide excision and reconstruction using nonvascularized fibular graft and the addition of hernia mesh. Circumferential non-absorbable polypropylene hernia mesh was applied, covered radioulnar joint and volar aspect of radius, and served as additional support to prevent dislocation. During five years and two months of follow-up, we found no dislocation in our patient. Furthermore, good functional outcome was obtained. Our finding suggests that the addition of hernia mesh after wide excision and reconstruction with nonvascularized fibular graft may benefit to prevent dislocation and provides an excellent functional outcome.     

桡骨远端巨细胞瘤切除自体腓骨头移植重建的远期疗效观察

目的 观察桡骨远端巨细胞瘤切除后取自体腓骨头移植重建的远期疗效.方法 对1994年3月至2004年11月31例桡骨远端巨细胞瘤患者行肿瘤大段切除,取自体腓骨上段移植重建.其中男性12例,女性19例;年龄19～48岁,平均31岁.Campanacci分期Ⅲ期24例,Ⅱ期7例.采用吻合血管的腓骨移植6例,其余25例行单纯腓骨移植.对本组患者进行临床及影像学评估,测量患者腕关节活动度、前臂旋前及旋后的活动度,测量患肢的握力.分别以MSTS评分及Mayo腕关节评分系统评价上肢及腕关节功能.结果 随访时间41～169个月,平均86.3个月.吻合血管的腓骨移植骨愈合时间为3～9个月,平均5.1个月.单纯腓骨移植患者骨愈合时间为7～15个月,平均10.3个月.1例单纯腓骨移植患者术后出现骨不愈合.1例患者术后出现肿瘤局部复发,复发率为3.2%.5例患者术后出现桡腕关节脱位.患者术后腕关节活动度为背伸(67.3±9.4)°、掌屈(31.2±5.1)°、桡偏(14.1±4.7)°、尺偏(19.4±3.9)°、前臂旋前(33.8±6.6)°、前臂旋后(15.3±4.0)°.对桡腕关节成型的28例患者进行握力测量为15.5～52.1 kg,平均33.1 kg,占健侧握力的73%.MSTS评分为23～29分,平均25.5分,Mayo腕关节功能评分40～65分,平均56分.结论 取自体腓骨上端移植重建是治疗桡骨远端巨细胞瘤的有效方法,术后患者腕关节功能恢复理想.腕关节囊的重建对于维持桡腕关节的术后稳定具有重要意义.     

Reconstruction of distal radius by fibula following excision of grade III giant cell tumour: Follow-up of 18 cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of vascularised fibular graft for reconstruction of the wrist after excision of grade III giant cell tumour in the distal radius. From January 1998 to September 2003, 18 patients with wrist defects due to distal radius grade III giant cell tumour resection were treated with vascularised fibular graft and were followed-up. The limb function was restored to an average 80% of normal function and bone union was achieved within six months in 18 patients with vascularised fibular graft. MSTS score averaged 25.6 and ranged between 21 and 29; Mayo wrist score averaged 56 with a range from 40 to 65. It is appropriate to use the head of the fibula as a substitute for the distal radius. The healing of vascularised fibular graft is very quick and without bone resorption. Thus, in the procedure for reconstruction and limb salvage after bone tumour resection of distal radius, the free vascularised fibular graft with fibular head is an ideal substitute.     

Bilateral giant cell tumour of the distal radius: a case report

A case of bilateral distal radius giant cell tumour of bone is reported. Each lesion appears to have arisen de novo rather than as a metastasis.     

Reconstruction of the distal radius by fibula following excision of giant cell tumor

Thirty giant cell tumors of the distal radius were excised and reconstructed using a nonvascular fibular osteoarticular autograft. Four different surgical techniques for stabilization were used. There were ten recurrences, which could not be correlated with Campanacci's radiological or Jaffe's histological grading. Twenty cases without recurrence were followed up over 1.5-25.5 (average 8.5) years. Average time for incorporation of the graft was 5.2 months. The surgical technique using a radiofibular plate and K wire through the wrist had a low nonunion rate, no graft related complications, good range of movement, and good hand functions.     

Vascularized fibular graft after excision of giant cell tumor of the distal radius. A case report

Although hemiarthroplasty of the wrist using vascularized proximal fibula has been described often, long term results with documentation of results are insufficient. A case of giant cell tumor of the distal radius with remarkable extraskeletal extension is reported. Vascularized fibula including its proximal head was used to replace the defect created after en bloc resection of the tumor. There was no deterioration in radiographic findings or function of the new joint at the time of the 10-year followup. Satisfactory range of motion of the wrist and the forearm was maintained. There was no instability in the joint, and grip strength measured 65% of the opposite side. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed survival of the whole graft, including the subchondral portion. In addition to thorough revascularization of the graft, appropriate soft tissue reconstruction using dynamic tendon transfer contributed to the success. When these requirements are fulfilled, the graft can provide a functional and durable result. Although this is a single experience, the authors recommend wrist arthroplasty, rather than arthrodesis, in carefully selected patients.     

Recurrent giant-cell tumour after en bloc excision of the distal radius and fibular autograft replacement

We report two patients, each with a giant-cell tumour of the distal radius treated by curettage and bone grafting. Local recurrence of the tumour occurred in the autograft and in the adjacent soft tissues in both patients, and was successfully treated by local excision; one patient also had radiation therapy. Both remain well 20 years and five years later.     

桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤切除后三种重建方法的比较

[目的]探讨桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤切除术后三种重建方法的临床效果。[方法]选取2000年10月~2013年12月间15例桡骨远端骨巨细胞进行瘤段切除,之后根据患者病情分别采取自体腓骨移植重建、同种异体骨移植、人工腕关节置换术三种重建方式,其中接受自体腓骨移植重建术5例,接受同种异体骨移植术6例,接受人工腕关节置换术4例,之后对三组患者进行为期5年的跟踪随访,比较三组患者腕部功能恢复情况,并统计不良症状发生的比例。[结果]MSTS保肢评分系统显示,接受自体腓骨移植重建术患者有4例优、1例良,明显优于接受同种异体骨移植术患者与人工腕关节置换术患者;在腕部功能方面,自体腓骨移植重建术患者腕关节屈伸功能分别为(51.32±9.31)°、(38.13±7.80)°,旋前、旋后功能平均为(71.32±5.63)°、(70.31±4.52)°,明显高于人工腕关节置换术患者、同种异体骨移植术患者(P<0.05);而在术后并发症方面,接受自体腓骨移植重建术患者较少。[结论]对于患有桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤患者,自体腓骨移植重建,同种异体骨移植术,人工腕关节置换术三种重建方式均可以改善患者的病情,安全性较好,无明显不良并发症发生,自体腓骨移植重建术效果更优,可适当临床推广。     

Treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal radius

The results of surgical treatment of giant cell tumors of the distal radius were reviewed in 12 patients between 1982 and 1995. All 12 patients had Grade III lesions. Six of the 12 patients were treated using intralesional curettage with local excision, and the other six patients underwent en bloc resection with total condyle (four of the six by osteoarticular allograft, and the other two by fibular autograft) reconstruction with the aim of preserving the functional joint. There were no early or late complications such as infection, graft fracture, implant failure, or nonunion. No local tumor recurrence was seen in either group during the average followup of 6 years (range, 3-16 years). The best functional result was seen in the patients treated with intralesional curettage. The functional result of the resection group was good, achieving an average of 69% (range, 56%-83%) of their range of motion and 70% (range, 63%-77%) of their grip strength on the contralateral side. Intralesional excision should not be excluded as a possible treatment of Grade III lesions, although en bloc resection was used more commonly for these lesions because of tumor surgery reasons. Grade III lesions were treated with curettage when the tumor did not invade the wrist, destroy more than 50% of the cortex, or break through the cortex with an extraosseous mass in more than one plane. Reconstruction with osteoarticular allograft after en bloc resection is recommended in this non-weightbearing joint when there is contraindication for curettage of the lesion.     

Resection-reconstruction arthroplasty for giant cell tumor of distal radius

Background:

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal radius poses problems for reconstruction after resection. Several reconstructive procedures like vascularized and non-vascularized fibular graft, osteo-articular allograft, ceramic prosthesis and megaprosthesis are in use for substitution of the defect in the distal radius following resection. Most authors advocate wrist arthrodesis following resection of distal radius and non vascularized fibular graft. Here we have analyzed the results of aggressive benign GCTs of the distal radius treated by resection and reconstruction arthroplasty using autogenous non-vascularized fibular graft.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four cases of giant cell tumor of the distal radius (mean age 32 years, mean follow-up 6.6 years) treated by en-bloc resection and reconstruction arthroplasty using autogenous non-vascularized ipsilateral fibular graft with a minimum followup of two years have been included in this retrospective study. Nineteen cases were of Campanacci grade III and five were of Grade II recurrence. The mean resected length of the radius was 9.5 (8-12) cm. Routine radiographs and clinical assessments regarding pain, instability, recurrence, hand grip strength and functional status were done at regular intervals and functional results were assessed using (musculoskeletal tumor society) MSTS-87 scoring.

Results:

Early radiological union at host-graft junction was achieved at mean 12.5 weeks, (range 12-14 weeks) and solid incorporation with callus formation was observed in mean 29 weeks (range 28-32 weeks) in all the cases. Satisfactory range of motion (mean 63%, range 52-78%) of the wrist was achieved in 18 cases. Grip strength compared to the contralateral hand was found to be 67% (range 58-74%). Functional results were excellent in six cases (25%), good in 14 cases (58.3%) and four (16.7%) cases had fair results. Soft tissue recurrence was seen in one patient. The most commonly encountered complication was fibulo-carpal subluxation (10 cases, 41.7%).

Conclusion:

Resection of the distal radius and reconstruction arthroplasty with non-vascularized proximal fibular graft is useful in preserving the functional movement and stability of the wrist as well as achieving satisfactory range of movement and grip strength.     

Functional outcome following excision of a tumour and reconstruction of the distal radius

We retrospectively studied the functional and oncological results of 15 patients after reconstruction of the distal radius with osteoarticular allograft or non-vascularised fibular graft following wide excision of an aggressive benign or malignant tumour. Eight patients underwent osteoarticular allograft and seven patients had a non-vascularised autogenous fibular graft reconstruction. The average time for incorporation of the graft was 6 and 5 months in each reconstruction respectively. There was no tumour recurrence after follow up over 41.5-95.5 (average 60.5) months. All patients had good and excellent functional results. Three patients in the group reconstructed with osteoarticular allograft had plate loosening and graft fractures which were successfully treated subsequently.     

异体骨复合人工腕关节重建桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤切除后骨缺损

目的:评价桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤切除后异体骨复合人工腕关节修复重建方法及效果。方法:自2000年6月~2004年6月对8例桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤患者行瘤段切除、异体骨复合人工腕关节修复重建术,其中男5例,女3例,年龄24~52岁,平均38岁,平均随访33.2个月;按改良Campanacci影像学分级系统对骨巨细胞瘤进行分级,其中Ⅱ级5例,Ⅲ级3例,病理骨折2例;采用肌肉骨骼肿瘤学会保肢评分标准评定术后功能。结果:随访期内所有患者未发现肿瘤局部复发和远处转移;术后无明显异体骨排异反应、感染、骨吸收和骨不连;异体骨与自体骨愈合时间平均5.6个月(4.3~8.2个月);近期人工关节假体无松动、断裂及脱位等并发症;腕关节平均活动度:掌屈38°,背伸45°,桡偏15°,尺偏20°,旋前40°,旋后65°;功能评价结果:优2例,良3例,可2例,差1例。结论:异体骨复合人工腕关节对桡骨远端肿瘤切除后骨缺损的重建是一良好的选择,远期效果尚待进一步观察。     

Fibular reconstruction for giant cell tumor of the distal radius

The management of giant cell tumors involving the distal radius has always been a difficult problem. After resection to eradicate a primary or recurrent lesion, transplantation of a nonvascularized fibular autograft was used in 12 patients. Of these patients, ten had good to excellent functional results. The procedure can restore a functionally useful wrist.     

Allograft replacement of distal radius for giant cell tumor.

Three cases of resection of the distal radius with allograft replacement for giant cell tumor of bone were reviewed. In one patient the tumor had penetrated the distal articular cortex; in another it had broken through the anterior cortex; in the third there had been recurrence of the tumor within a year of currettage and autogenous bone graft. In each case the allograft was glycerinized to help to preserve the viability of the articular cartilage and then it was frozen at -70 degrees C to decrease bone antigenicity. In all three patients rapid healing at the recipient-graft juncture took place, and none showed signs of rejection or of recurrence of the tumor. All three have a useful and relatively painless range of wrist motion. Distal radial resection and allograft replacement is recommended for giant cell tumor of bone if there has been spontaneous cortical or articular breakthrough, recurrence, or evidence of a rapidly enlarging lesion or a frankly malignant histologic appearance.     

Functional outcome in giant cell tumor of distal radius treated with excision and fibular arthroplasty: a case series

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a locally aggressive benign neoplasm that is associated with a wide spectrum of biological activity...     

Osteochondral allograft transplantation after excision of femoral head giant cell tumour: a case report

We report a case of Giant Cell Tumour of the femoral head in a 22-year-old man that was excised and reconstructed with an osteochondral allograft. After 3.5 years follow-up, the graft had completely united and there were no signs of recurrence or resorption; the patient had an excellent functional outcome. Osteochondral allograft transplantation may provide a viable option for joint salvage after excision of a benign or locally aggressive tumour in the femoral head in selected cases.     

Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of the distal radius after bone tumour resection

Resection of the distal end of the radius is indicated in the treatment of locally aggressive primary benign and malignant bone tumours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of this bone defect. We analysed 12 patients retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 26-145 months, median 52 months). Three patients had a malignant tumour and nine had a giant cell tumour. The patients ages ranged from 13 to 65 years. The mean resected length of the radius was 6.6 (range 4-14)cm. Non-union of the osteotomy line was diagnosed 6 months after surgery in one case and needed bone grafting. Distal radio-ulnar joint instability was observed in eight cases. Subchondral bone alterations and joint narrowing were present in all cases but were painful in only one patient. The mean range of motion was 51 degrees of flexion and 37 degrees of extension.