Abstract
BackgroundGiant cell tumor of the tendon sheath is the most common form of giant cell tumors and is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand region after ganglion cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic tool of choice for both diagnosis and treatment planning. The current standard treatment of choice is simple excision. The main concern about the treatment is related to the high recurrence rates. Besides incomplete excision, there is no consensus concerning the effect of other risk factors on recurrence. The literature lacks detailed reports on surgical excision of these tumors with a standardized surgical treatment and an appropriate patient follow up. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence rate and the associated recurrence risk factors for giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of the hand following a standardized treatment.MethodsThe records of patients treated for giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of the hand treated by the same hand surgeon were evaluated retrospectively. The features obtained from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, final physical examination, patients’ age and sex, anatomical site of the tumor, relationship of the tumor with bone, joint or neurovascular structures, bone invasion, recurrence after surgery and complications like skin necrosis, digital neuropathy or limitation in range of motion were documented. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables.ResultsFifty patient were included in the study. The average follow-up time was 84 months. Three recurrences (6%) were recorded. The only significant risk factor for the recurrence was tumor adjacency to the interphalangeal joints of the fingers other than thumb. No major or minor complications were encountered in the postoperative period.ConclusionWith adequate surgical exposure and meticulous dissection provided by the magnification loupes, we were able demonstrate one of the lowest recurrence rates in the literature. Well-designed studies combining the recurrence rates of several hand surgery centers implementing a standardized treatment are needed to better demonstrate the associated risk factors for recurrence.
Highlights
Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath is the most common form of giant cell tumors and is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand region after ganglion cyst
We reviewed a series of 50 patients treated with a standard surgical set up by the same surgeon, in order to better characterize the factors associated to a high recurrence rate
Tumors were adjacent to distal interphalangeal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of fingers (Fig. 3)
Summary
Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath is the most common form of giant cell tumors and is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand region after ganglion cyst. The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence rate and the associated recurrence risk factors for giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of the hand following a standardized treatment. GCTTS is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand after ganglion cysts [1, 2, 4,5,6,7,8]. It occurs at any age with peak incidences in the third to fourth decades; women are mostly affected [1, 3, 4, 6, 7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
