Giant cell tumour of the neck of femur treated by total hip replacement.

Abstract

Giant cell tumour of the bone is a relatively rare benign tumour whose true incidence and patho-aetiology are not fully established. The tumour is usually located in the epi-metaphysis of the long bones, predominantly in the distal femur, proximal tibia and distal radius with 50% occurring around the knee joint. The age group at presentation is commonly between 20 and 50 years with the peak in the 30 to 40 year age group. Although benign, the tumour is locally aggressive with tendency for local recurrence after excision. A very small proportion of giant cell tumours can have malignant cells in the lesion. Irradiation of the tumour has been associated with malignant transformation and must be avoided. Rarely the giant cell tumour can metastasise and still maintain the ‘benign’ histological pattern in the metastases. The proximal femur is an uncommon location for the occurrence of Giant Cell Tumour. The incidence at this site has been reported as less than 4%.1,2 Treatment of a locally aggressive giant cell tumour of the neck of femur is difficult because of the location and the high local recurrence.