Carpus translocation into the ipsilateral ulna for distal radius recurrence giant cell tumour: A case report and literature review

J Orthop. 2015 Feb 21;12(Suppl 1):S125-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2015.01.024. eCollection 2015 Oct.

Abstract

Giant cell tumour is a frequent benign neoplasm. It is characterized by local aggressive behaviour and frequent recurrence. The most common localization is the distal femur followed by proximal tibia (40%). The distal radius is the next place (10%). The recurrence in the distal radius in primary cases is reported 10%, in recurrent cases is almost 30% and depends to the kind and the stage of the tumour at the time of treatment. Multiple options have been reported for treatment of Campanacci III giant-cell tumour (GCT) of the distal radius after resection. Actually the treatment of recurrence remains a real dilemma. Several reconstructive options (e.g. resection arthroplasty, prosthetic replacement, arthrodesis, ulnar translocation, centralization of the carpus over the remaining ulna, use of vascularized or nonvascularized fibular graft, with or without, arthrodesis, have been described up to date. We present a case of recurrence of GCT of distal radius after curettage, where we selected the centralization of the ulna into the carpus as a salvage procedure with satisfactory results. The procedure provides a valid option for the management of recurrent GCTs of distal radius offering excellent cosmetic and acceptable functional result.

Keywords: Carpus translocation; Distal radius; Recurrence Giant Cell Tumour; Treatment.