Giant cell tumor of the capitate. A case report

Giant cell tumors in the small bones of the hand are unusual, particularly in the carpus. A 28-year-old woman developed a giant cell tumor in the capitate. After biopsy, she was treated with complete excision of the capitate with no reconstruction. Five years later she had excellent hand function and no tumor recurrence. A careful roentgenographic and pathologic examination will distinguish between aneurysmal bone cysts and giant cell reparative granulomas. Complete excision of the involved bone is recommended.