Introduction: Distal end radius is the second most common location for giant cell tumours (GCTs) followed by the knee. Like at any other location, they are treated with extended curettage or resection but reportedly have an increased propensity for recurrence. This study aims to treat the recurrent distal end radius GCTs and their outcome after further surgeries.
Patients and methods: This study was conducted retrospectively from 2009 to 2021 and included 32 patients with recurrent distal end radius GCTs with a mean age of 29.53 years (range: 18-45 years). Twenty-five recurrences occurred after curettage and seven after resection. Twelve lesions were treated with further extended curettage. Nineteen recurrent lesions were treated with resection and arthrodesis. One out of two soft tissue recurrences was treated with en bloc resection. The mean follow-up period was 45.25 months (range: 24-120).
Results: The patients with joint preservations treated with further curettage and those where resection of soft tissue recurrences was done with salvage of joint had better functional outcomes with a mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score of 26.53 (Range: 22-30). The cases with arthrodesis had an average score of 23.75 (Range: 20-26). The overall average MSTS score was 24.89.
Conclusions: We conclude that local recurrence contained within the bone can be re-curetted. The isolated soft tissue recurrences can be re-excised. The bony lesions with extensive soft tissue extension should be treated with resection and reconstruction. The re-recurrence rate after further adequate treatment does not increase much.
Keywords: bone tumors; distal radius gct; extended curettage; recurrence; resection; wrist arthrodesis.
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