Central column reconstruction following total resection of a third metacarpal giant cell tumour

Abstract

A wide resection of a giant cell tumour involving the entire middle metacarpal is presented. Reconstruction preserving the central column and metacarpophalangeal joint was achieved using autologous iliac crest bone as a spacer and structural support. The fibro-osseous cartilage portion of the iliac graft was used as a "hemi-joint" replacement. By using a bridging bone graft and screw to fuse the adjacent proximal phalanges of the middle and index fingers, a stable "internal syndactyly" was achieved. Although independent index and middle finger motion was sacrificed, the approach allowed wide resection for local tumour control, re-established structural integrity, preserved metacarpophalangeal joint motion and allowed early motion. The aesthetic result was also good.