[The selection of treatment for giant-cell tumor of bone]

Eighty-two patients with giant-cell tumor of the bone were operated with 4 different methods depending on the site of tumor, extent of local invasion and degree of malignancy. Curettage plus filling operation was performed for Grade I tumors and localized lesions. Resection of the tumor segment and replacement of the joint with allograft or artificial joint were done for Grade II tumors involving the joint but with clear borders. The indications of amputation were Grade III tumors, frequent recurrence and malignant change. Local curettage plus radiotherapy was undertaken in tumors that could hardly be completely curetted, such as tumors in the sacrum and spine. The results showed that the first method gave a high recurrence rate; the second method was the best; the third was worse due to conservativeness of amputation; the fourth method had the poorest prognosis owing to incomplete removal of the tumor.