Higher local recurrence rates after intralesional surgery for giant cell tumor of the proximal femur compared to other sites.

Purpose: The treatment of giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone remains controversial. Intralesional surgery (curettage) results in a higher rate of local recurrence, but better functional results compared to resection. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of curettage was successful in the treatment of GCT of long bones. We evaluated the influence of adjuvant treatment, local tumor presentation, and demographic factors on the risk of recurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients treated for GCT of long bones between 1990 and 2013, using curettage. No patient had any treatment other than surgery. After detailed curettage, the bone cavity was filled with bone allografts and/or cement. Recurrence rates, risk factors for recurrence and the development of pulmonary metastases were determined. The minimum follow-up was 24 months.

Results: We enrolled 210 patients with GCT of long bones treated by curettage. The rate of local recurrence was 16.2% (34/210 patients). The median follow-up was 89.2 months. In the multivariate analysis, no significant statistical effect on the local recurrence rate could be identified for gender, patient's age, Campanacci's grading, or cement versus bone allografts. The only independent risk factor related to the local recurrence was the site, with a statistically significant higher risk for patients with GCT of the proximal femur.

Conclusions: Our observation on the correlation of tumor location and risk of local recurrence is new. We suggest that patients with GCT of bone in the proximal femur should be followed closely soon after surgery to identify any possible recurrence.