Giant cell tumor of bone : curettage and cement reconstruction

A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive giant cell tumors treated by the senior author (JOJ) between 1975 and 1990 using the technique of aggressive curettage through a large bone window followed by acrylic cement reconstruction. Steinmann pins were used as reinforcement bars within the methacrylate in large lesions. Thirty-eight patients with a mean followup of 5.2 years (range, 2-16 years) were identified. Three (8%) recurrences are reported. There were no infections or mechanical failures of the construct. Functional results were good to excellent in 84% of patients. Ninety-five percent of patients reported good or excellent stability, no deformity, and emotional acceptance of the procedure. The recurrence rate with this protocol (8%) approached that associated with wide resection or amputation (0%-5%), and was lower than that seen with simple curettage and bone grafting (27%-55%). Acrylic cement reconstruction is a safe and effective procedure that provides local adjuvant therapy and immediate stability for early rehabilitation. The authors emphasize the importance of aggressive curettage of the lesion through a large bone window and suggest the use of reinforcement bars within the cement for large defects.