MANAGEMENT OF GIANT-CELL TUMOR OF THE TARSAL BONES - A REPORT OF 9 CASES AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Giant cell tumor of the tarsal bones is uncommon and therapeutic optio ns are ill defined. We report on nine cases of giant cell tumors of th e tarsal bones treated by excision of the complete bone in 6 cases, pa rtial excision in 1 case, and curettage and bone grafting in two cases . There was no recurrence at an average 25.8-month follow-up. Function after calcanectomy was satisfactory. Excision of the talus may or may not be followed by arthrodesis, but arthrodesis is essential after ex cision of all the other tarsal bones except the calcaneus. We advocate aggressive surgical measures in these cases; amputation should be res erved for recurrences only. Satisfactory function may be expected afte r excision of tarsal bones.