Recurrent giant cell tumor of the right distal tibia: A case report

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the bone are neoplasms that are characterized by benign, locally aggressive behavior and occur most commonly in the young population. It is usually located at epiphyseal areas of bones, especially distal femur and proximal tibia. This paper presents a 20-year-old female, who presented with a malignant recurrence of GCT in the right distal tibia which had initially been treated by curettage with cement and bone grafting. The patient managed in August 2021 and came back in 2023 with the symptoms of recurrence manifested by swelling, pain, and functional limitation of the right ankle. Curettage and cement augmentation surgery were accomplished successfully. There were no complications in the postoperative course, and the patient reported symptom improvement and increased functional abilities at follow-up. It discusses the complexities of the management of recurrent GCTs, while stressing the importance of detailed planning of surgeries, intraoperative and postoperative multidisciplinary management, and long-term follow-up. It also addresses modern management styles: Adjuvants and the role of imaging in detecting recurrences. If it is handled well, those challenges can help enhance the end result in patients with recurrent GCTs, especially in sensitive areas such as the distal tibia.