An Unusual Case of Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Tibia

Giant cell tumors are common in proximal tibia and distal end radius and have a low tendency to recur. They have been treated successfully with excision and cementing or sandwich bone grafting without recurrence. Here, we present a rare case of giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal tibia treated successfully with no recurrence at the end of 2 years.

A 28-year-old female presented with complaints of pain and restricted movement of the right ankle joint since 1 month. There was no history of trauma. On examination, tenderness on the anterior aspect of the right ankle joint with restricted range of motion was found. X-rays revealed a well-defined expansile predominantly lytic lesion in the distal epi-metaphyseal region of the right tibia with minimal periosteal reaction seen along the medial margin. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ill-defined expansile lesion involving the epi-metaphyseal end of the lower end of tibia causing cortical breach and having extra-osseous tissue component with the abnormal signal in flexor and extensor group of muscles with the possibility of GCT. Surgery by excision, curettage, and cementation was performed to fill the defect. Histopathology of the tissue showed multinucleated giant cells with a uniform vesicular nucleus and mononuclear cells which were spindle shaped with uniform vesicular nucleus suggestive of GCT.

The patient at 2-year follow-up is doing well, walking without any pain, comfortably and with a full range of motion of the ankle joint with no signs of recurrence.