Giant cell tumor of bone: A series of 97 cases with a mean follow-up of 12 years

Abstract

PurposeTo describe our series of patients with giant cell tumor of bone with a long-term follow-up to show the results obtained with our treatment protocol. Materials and methodsA total of 97 histologically confirmed giant cell tumors of bone were treated in our center between 1982 and 2009. The mean follow-up period was 12 years (2–27 years). The treatment received was determined by the radiological grade based on the Campanacci classification. The series consisted of 53 women (54.6%) and 44 men (54.4%) with a median age of 34.16 years (15–71 years). The data collected was focused on the clinical presentation, location, phase, extension, recurrences, and complications. ResultsThe treatment most used in Campanacci grades i and ii was intralesional excision with high-velocity drilling and filling with a graft. In grades iii that could not be treated with the aforementioned method, it was decided to perform en bloc resection. An overall recurrence rate of around 25.8% was observed. Seven cases (7.2%) presented with a recurrence of the malignancy. The death rate at the end of follow-up was 2.1% (2 cases). ConclusionsCurettage with a high-velocity drill and a bone graft in giant cell tumor of bone Campanacci grades i and ii obtains good results after long-term follow-up. Some grade iii giant cell tumors of bone that cannot be treated with this therapeutic option require en bloc resection and reconstruction.