Giant cell tumour of a phalanx in the foot: a case report

Giant cell tumours are uncommon benign osseous neoplasias with an obscure origin. They mostly occur in the epiphyses of long bones after skeletal maturity. Phalangeal bones are a very rare primary site of involvement. The authors report a case of giant cell tumour involving a phalangeal bone in the foot and review the presentation, distinctive features and treatment of this tumour when occurring in this location. A 28-year-old female patient was seen with an aggressive giant cell tumour of the first phalangeal bone of the third ray of her left foot. En bloc resection of the third ray was performed without bone grafting. The patient has now been free from disease for 12 years. When giant cell tumour occurs in such a location, it appears to represent a distinct, more aggressive form of tumour. Because of the higher risks for local recurrence, treatment should be aggressive.