Giant cell tumor of the distal fibula: fifteen-year result after en bloc resection and fibula reconstruction

Giant cell tumor of the distal fibula is a very rare condition. The treatment of advanced tumors at this location can be challenging and has been described in the literature only in single cases. We report on a patient with a stage III giant cell tumor, according to the classification of Campanacci, of the distal fibula after en bloc resection and distal fibula reconstruction with a long bone graft from the iliac crest in a second procedure. The syndesmosis was reconstructed with a periosteal flap, the capsule and ligaments with local scar tissue. Fifteen years after the initial treatment the patient is free of local recurrence and demonstrates an excellent clinical outcome without any signs of instability, loss of function or osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. We suggest the method to be worthwhile for treatment of this uncommon lesion in terms of recurrence and functional outcome.