Recurrent Giant cell tumour in distal Humerus: A Case report

Abstract

Introduction:Giant cell tumour of bone (GCT) is a common benign primary bone tumour, seen commonly in the distal Femur, proximal Tibia and distal Radius. Very few cases of GCT are reported in distal humerus. We report an unusual presentation of recurrent Giant cell tumour in a 25 year old male in the medial condyle and epicondyle of left Humerus.Case Series:Patient presented elsewhere with lytic lesion of left elbow three years ago. As it is an uncommon site for tumors, it was misdiagnosed as tuberculous osteomyelitis and was inadequately curetted. Patient presented to us with recurrence of tumor one year after the primary surgery. We did en-bloc resection of the tumour, with judicious removal of partial trochlea. Though reconstruction was planned, it was found to be not necessary as the elbow was stable per-operatively. Patient regained near normal movements of the elbow with no instability. His Mayo Elbow Performance score improved from 30 to 85. There is no recurrence or metastasis of the tumor in the two-year follow-up.Conclusion:Though bone tumors are rare in distal Humerus, biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of any lytic lesion in this region for proper management.

Intercalary Elbow Resection and Arthrodesis for Giant Cell Tumor of Distal Humerus: Something Is Better Than Nothing

“…Elbow remains a rare site for GCT. It appears as an eccentrically located, expansile, lytic lesion in skeletally mature individuals most commonly between the third and fourth decades of life [ 1 ].…”