Giant cell tumor of bone: A series of 97 cases with a mean follow-up of 12 years

Abstract Purpose To describe our series of patients with giant cell tumor of bone with a long-term follow-up to show the results obtained with our treatment protocol. Materials and methods A total of 97 histologically confirmed giant cell tumors of bone were treated in our center between 1982 and 2009. The mean follow-up period was 12 years (2–27 years). The treatment received was determined by the radiological grade based on the Campanacci classification. The series consisted of 53 women (54.6%) and 44 men (54.4%) with a median age of 34.16 years (15–71 years). The data collected was focused on the clinical presentation, location, phase, extension, recurrences, and complications. Results The treatment most used in Campanacci grades i and ii was intralesional excision with high-velocity drilling and filling with a graft. In grades iii that could not be treated with the aforementioned method, it was decided to perform en bloc resection. An overall recurrence rate of around 25.8% was observed. Seven cases (7.2%) presented with a recurrence of the malignancy. The death rate at the end of follow-up was 2.1% (2 cases). Conclusions Curettage with a high-velocity drill and a bone graft in giant cell tumor of bone Campanacci grades i and ii obtains good results after long-term follow-up. Some grade iii giant cell tumors of bone that cannot be treated with this therapeutic option require en bloc resection and reconstruction.