Primary giant cell tumours of the digital bones of the hand

Primary giant cell tumours involving digital bones of the hand are rare lesions which are generally diagnosed at an advanced stage. Accurate diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, imaging studies and histopathological assessment. Conservative treatment by digit-sparing surgery is associated with high recurrence rates. In a ten year retrospective review, this study identified only four cases. Three cases involved a phalanx and were treated by distal amputation of the involved digit. None recurred. One involved the metacarpal and recurred twice following repeated curettage and bone grafting. No further recurrence has been detected after resection and replacement with a non-vascularised fibular graft and Silastic implant replacement of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Our small series of cases supports a policy of aggressive primary surgery, including amputation or en bloc resection and reconstruction.