Factors Influencing the Recurrence of a Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rates of a giant cell tumor of the bone and determine what, if any, patient factors, tumor characteristics and surgical treatments correlate with the incidence of a local recurrence. Materials and Methods: The records of fifty two cases who were diagnosed with a giant cell tumor of the bone between March 1992 and March 2001 and were could be followed up for at least 2 years were analysed retrospectively. This study reviewed the clinical characters, and the treatment method, recurrence, complication, the result of the follow-up. A Fisher's exact test was carried out to analyse the statistics. Results: Sixteen patients (31%) had a local recurrence. The average time to recurrence was 17 months. All but case one recurred within 2 years after receiving surgical treatment. There was no significant differences in the recurrence rates based on the following variables: gender, tumor location, Campanacci grade, the presence of a pathologic fracture, primary versus recurrent tumor at presentation, resection margin, the use of a bone graft, internal fixation or polymethylmethacrylate. Conclusion: The clinical characters and methods of treatment were not correlated with a local recurrence. Most recurrences of a giant cell tumor can be expected within the first two to three years. Therefore the patient needs to be followed up in that period and longer for the a late recurrence and pulmonary metastasis.