Arthroplasty for tenosynovial giant cell tumors 17 patients followed for 0.2 to 15 years

• Published in: Acta orthopaedica Vol. 87; no. 5; pp. 497 - 503
• Main Authors: Verspoor, Floortje G M, Hannink, Gerjon, Scholte, Anouk, Van Der Geest, Ingrid C M, Schreuder, H W Bart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.09.2016; Medical Journals Sweden
• ISSN: 1745-3674; 1745-3682
• DOI: 10.1080/17453674.2016.1205168

Background and purpose - Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (t-GCTs) can behave aggressively locally and affect joint function and quality of life. The role of arthroplasty in the treatment of t-GCT is uncertain. We report the results of arthroplasty in t-GCT patients. Patients and methods - t-GCT patients (12 knee, 5 hip) received an arthroplasty between 1985 and 2015. Indication for arthroplasty, recurrences, complications, quality of life, and functional scores were evaluated after a mean follow-up time of 5.5 (0.2-15) years. Results - 2 patients had recurrent disease. 2 other patients had implant loosening. Functional scores showed poor results in almost half of the knee patients. 4 of the hip patients scored excellent and 1 scored fair. Quality of life was reduced in 1 or more subscales for 2 hip patients and for 5 knee patients. Interpretation - In t-GCT patients with extensive disease or osteoarthritis, joint arthroplasty is an additional treatment option. However, recurrences, implant loosening, and other complications do occur, even after several years.