Arthroscopic treatment of the giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in knee joint

Abstract

To explore the technique of diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) in knee joint, and to evaluate its clinical results. Twelve patients with GCTTS treated during 15 years were reviewed. Nine cases were misdiagnosed with meniscus injury (6 cases) and chronic synovitis (3 cases) before operation, only 3 cases were confirmed the diagnosis of GCTTS by MRI. Complete tumorectomy under arthroscope was performed on all 12 cases. The results of clinical and radiographic followed-up of 9 patients for 1 to 10 years after operation was satisfactory. Clinical symptoms disappeared, range of motion and X-ray findings were normal. There was no recurrent case found. Arthroscopic removal of GCTTS is an effective treatment. Tumor wide resection and debriding the channel which tumor passed through are the key point to prevent the recurrence after operation.