RADIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RECURRENCE OF GIANT-CELL TUMOR OF BONE AFTER THE USE OF CEMENT

We have reviewed 13 operations on 11 patients using curettage and poly methylmethacrylate cement for giant-cell tumour of bone (GCT) to asses s the value of radiology in the early detection of recurrence, There w ere four recurrences, the most specific radiological sign on plain rad iography was lysis of 5 mm or more at the cement-bone interface, This preceded clinical signs by a mean of four months and was identified at a mean of 3.75 months after operation, There was not always a complet e sclerotic margin around the cement, but when it was present, there w as never evidence of recurrence, MRI was helpful in assessing cases wi th evidence of recurrence, Frequent surveillance with plain radiograph y should continue for one year after operation irrespective of clinica l signs of recurrence, When the appearance of the plain radiographs su ggests recurrence, MRI should be performed and followed by image-guide d needle biopsy.