Abstract

The results of aggressive management of giant cell tumour including high speed burr, argon plasma cauterisation and phenolisation were reviewed. Twenty four patients with primary or recurrent tumours were treated with a standardised protocol. There were 14 women (56%) and 10 men (44%) with a mean age of 34 years (14 to 62). The defects created after curettage and local adjuvants were reconstructed with PMMA. Additionally, internal fixation was used in weight-bearing bones. Local recurrence occurred in only one patient. Two patients (8%) developed pulmonary metastases. Reconstruction failed only in one patient. These findings support that the combined use of local adjuvants in the treatment of giant cell tumour is a safe and effective way to reduce the rate of local recurrence.