Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor in the Hand: Experience with 173 Cases

Background: Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) is the second most common benign tumor of the hand. Even though it is a benign lesion there is still a high incidence of local recurrence (range, 7%-44%) according to data in published papers. In this study, the clinical and epidemiological features of 173 patients who underwent excision of localized TSGCT, the recurrence rates and possible reasons for recurrence were examined in the light of current literature. Methods: Medical records of 173 patients with TSGCT were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics as well as clinical and intraoperative findings were collected. Patients were asked about the recurrence of the TSGCT and the QuickDASH scoring was applied at the final clinical evaluation after mean follow-up of 81 months. Results: Females were predominantly involved (73%). Patients aged mean 44 years at the time of surgery. There were 93 tumors in flexor zones and 80 tumors in extensor zones of the hand. Of the tumors with flexor zone localization, zone II was most predominantly involved with 46 tumors, and 18 of these were on the index finger. The extensor zones III and IV were mostly involved with 9 tumors each on the middle and ring fingers. A total of 12 recurrences (6.9 %) were determined over the mean follow-up period of 81 months. Conclusions: The characteristics of our patients identified were similar to the previous studies. Surgical excision provides good outcomes in the treatment of TSGCT especially when clear margins are obtained.