LOCAL RECURRENCES IN GIANT-CELL TUMOR OF BONE - LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF 31 CASES

We studied the value of histopathological grading in determining the p rognosis of giant cell tumour (osteoclastoma) and the rate of local an d distant recurrences in a consecutive series of 31 patients. We found that grading had no prognostic value. Eighteen patients were treated by intralesional curettage and 13 by wide excision. Ten patients (56%) , who were all treated by curettage, had local recurrences, but none o f the tumours with wide excision recurred (p < 0.05). Five (16%) had l ocal recurrences as well as distant metastases, usually to the lungs. The recurrences developed later than an average of 12 years after prim ary treatment in 3 patients. Wide excision and life-long follow np sho uld be considered in the management of these tumours.