Giant cell tumor of the distal radius

We compared the outcome of patients with giant cell tumor of the distal radius treated by curettage/cryosurgery and en bloc resection, evaluating oncologic success, functional results, and complications. Thirty consecutive cases of giant cell tumor of the distal radius were treated at our institution between 1958 and 1988. Twenty-six patients were available for follow-up examination, with a minimum follow-up period of 3 years and median follow-up period of 9 years. Primary curettage/cryosurgery had a local recurrence in 3 of 12, and repeat curettage/cryosurgery achieved local control in in 16 of 18 primary and recurrent cases. The major complications in this group included skin necrosis, transient nerve palsies, and fragmentation with carpal collapse. An average of 60% of contralateral range of wrist motion was preserved. Ten patients underwent en bloc excision and arthrodesis for either primary or recurrent tumor; none developed local recurrence. The main complication in this group was failure of internal fixation and non-union at the graft-radius junction. Resultant strength and function were similar in both groups. Intralesional excision with adjunctive cryosurgery is an effective alternative to en bloc excision with the advantage of preserving the distal radius and wrist joint function, but with a notable complication rate. En bloc excision with arthrodesis is more suitable for extensive local disease with poor residual bone stock and as salvage for failed intralesional excision.