Giant Cell Tumor of the Metacarpal Treated with Non-Vascularized Bone Graft: A Case Report

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a benign but locally aggressive neoplasm, most commonly affecting the epiphyseal region of long bones. Involvement of the hand bones is rare and is known to exhibit more aggressive behavior with higher recurrence rates compared to conventional sites. Optimal reconstruction following tumor excision in the hand remains challenging, as, along with the reconstruction of the bone defect, the function of the hand should also be addressed.

A 19-year-old right-hand-dominant female presented with a progressively enlarging, painful swelling over the dorsum of the right hand. Radiological evaluation revealed an expansile, lytic lesion involving the ring finger metacarpal with cortical breach. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an aggressive lesion with soft-tissue involvement. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of GCT of bone. The patient underwent wide excision of the tumor followed by reconstruction using a non-vascularized autologous cortical bone graft from the ulna.

GCT of the metacarpal is rare and requires aggressive surgical management due to its high recurrence potential. Non-vascularized ulnar bone graft provides a reliable, simple, and effective reconstructive option following tumor excision.