[Giant cell reaction of short tubular bones]

This paper deals with the case of a so-called giant-cell reaction of the short tubular bones of a 31 year-old patient. Histologically, this rare benign disease falls under the category of tumor-like lesions of the bone. Clinically, the disease becomes evident through pain and swelling, and radiologically, a lytic bone process can be observed which may well perforate the cortical substance. The therapy consists in the total removal and the filling of the defect with autologous bone graft from the iliac crest, in some cases also by means of some additional autologous cancellous bone chips. The prognosis after surgical therapy is excellent. In the few cases which have to date become known, no cases of recurrence have been observed. Although the pathogenesis has not been clarified, thus far trauma and local disturbances of growth and/or development must be considered. Concerning differential diagnosis, one should distinguish above all the reaction from aneurysmal and juvenile bone cyst, as well as osteoclastoma.