Introduction: The giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) of the hand is a benign tumour of unknown origin. The clinical diagnosis is supported by preoperative imaging. But the ideal imaging methods necessary for the diagnosis, preoperative planning and total tumour resection are still debated. Standard treatment is surgical resection with histological confirmation.
Methods: We followed up 84 patients who were operated upon for a histologically confirmed nodular type GCTTS for an average of 4.7 years (range four to eight). The preoperative symptoms and radiological findings of X-ray, ultrasound and MRI were reviewed and the surgeon asked for their impact on the surgical procedure.
Results: The average age at operation was 50.9 years, 65.5% of the patients were female and 61.9% of the lesions were located on the palmar aspect. Most tumours were found on the first three fingers. Two patients had tumours at two separate sites (2.4%). After an average follow up of 31.5 months two recurrences were observed (2.4%). In addition to X-ray and ultrasound, the preoperative findings of the MRI had no influence on the surgical procedure.
Conclusion: Our data on the nodular GCTTS are in accordance with published data concerning the age distribution, gender distribution, and localisation. No soft-tissue imaging method is superior for the diagnosis of nodular GCTTS or for the preoperative planning. A preoperative MRI may not be necessary as clinical and ultrasound examination are sufficient. To exclude bony erosions, a preoperative X-ray is necessary.