GIANT CELL TUMOR OF THE DISTAL RADIUS: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCAL RECURRENCE

To assess patient and tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes, focusing on local recurrence rates based on treatment type.

This is a retrospective review of cases of GCTB of the distal radius, identified from the databases of 74 patients in Brazilian institutions specializing in musculoskeletal tumor treatment. Data were collected from electronic and paper medical records by 18 centers between 1989 and 2021. Variables included demographic data, clinical presentation, treatment-related factors, and primary outcome (local recurrence rate).

Among the 74 patients in the study, the mean age at diagnosis was 32.6 years, with a slight female predominance. Pathological fractures on presentation were observed in 15.7% of patients, and pulmonary metastasis in 1.4%. Treatment approaches were divided equally between intralesional curettage and en bloc resection. The overall local recurrence rate was 25.7% and was higher in patients treated with intralesional curettage (35.1%) compared to resection (16.2%).

The study confirms high recurrence risk with intralesional curettage, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols and improved surgical techniques to reduce recurrence rates and enhance outcomes for distal radius GCTB patients.