Giant cell tumour: metaphyseal or epiphyseal origin?

The question whether giant cell tumours (GCT) of tubular bones originate in the metaphysis or epiphysis, was investigated by studying 233 GCT registered in the files of the Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours. In 6 cases the GCT was found to be located in the metaphysis exclusively, no case with a purely epiphyseal localization was found. The result of this study favours the metaphyseal origin of GCT. An unusual case is discussed.