Free Osteoarticular Metatarsal Autograft in the Reconstruction of Giant Cell Tumor of Metacarpal: Report of Two Cases and Description of a Technique

Abstract

Giant cell tumors are benign but locally aggressive bone neoplasms containing many multinucleated giant cells similar to osteoclasts. The author reports the case of two patients with giant cell tumor in the metacarpals, one of whom was multicentric. Giant cell tumor in the hand is a rare condition, and, at this location, it commonly presents at an advanced stage, with extensive bone destruction.

Thus, its safe resection, associated with a large resulting bone failure, represents a great challenge to the orthopedist. The various treatment options described in the literature cause severe cosmetic and/or functional impairment to the hand. Thinking about it, the author describes the treatment technique through the transfer of metatarsus-free osteoarticular graft to the metacarpal with good functional and cosmetic results.

Keywords
bone transplantation; giant cell tumor of bone; metacarpal bones; metacarpus