Surgical treatment outcome of giant cell tumor of distal ulna: En bloc resection vs. curettage and bone graft

BackhroundsGiant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone is a benign neoplasm with local aggressive behavior.Distal ulna is a very rareplace for GCT. Published studies have mainly focused on case reports, and thus there is noconsistent treatment strategy for this tumorat this location. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the oncological andfunctional results of 2 different surgical treatment methods for GCT in distal ulna.MethodsIn this study, 9 patients with GCT of distal ulna were followed after surgical treatment ofGCT of distal ulna. Of the patients, 2 had local recurrence after surgery in other hospitalsand 7 had primarily been admitted to our hospital. Four patients, all withgrade 2 Enneking and Campanacci’s classification, were treated by extended curettage andbone grafting, while 5 patients with grade 3were managed by distal ulnar resection. Minimum follow-up time was 24 months.ResultsPatients with grade 3 GCT of distal ulna, who had extended curettage, had a local recurrenceup to one year after surgery.Local recurrence was never seen in those with grade 3 disease with resection or in thosewith grade 2 disease with extended curettageas the treatment of GCT in this locationConclusionsBased on our study, which is the largest cohort of GCT of distal ulna, extended curettage,and en bloc resection can be suggested as valuable methods of treatment for grades 2 and 3 tumors, respectively.