Distal radioulnar joint prosthesis for the treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal ulna: a case report and literature review

Distal Ulna Giant Cell Tumor treated by Resection without Reconstruction: What were the functional outcomes and review of literature

Introduction

Giant Cell Tumours (GCT) are benign tumours with aggressive potential that disrupt the local bony architecture, which can be especially problematic in peri-articular locations. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of patients with GCT of the distal ulna who were treated by resection without reconstruction.

Methods

The study included 21 patients with distal ulna GCT that were treated with resection without reconstruction. There were 12 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 30.4years (range 14-45 years). The patients mean follow-up period was 4.4 years, with a two-year minimum follow-up.

Results

Painful swelling was the presenting symtom in all cases. Nineteen patients had Campanacci grade 3 and two had Campanacci grade 2. The mean resected length of the distal ulna was 6.8 cm (range 4-10) cm. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) was 26.1. (range 22-28). Grip strength of the affected hand was reduced by 10.5% on average. (range 0%-16%). Two patients were having multi-centric disease on presentation and none of the cases had pathological fracture on presentation. One case had a local recurrence which was treated with surgery.

Conclusion

Based on current study, GCT of the distal ulna, en bloc resection without reconstruction can be recommended as a valuable treatment option for Campanacci grades 2 and 3 tumours. Resection of the distal end of the ulna without reconstruction results in excellent functional outcomes, with forearm rotational movement and hand function preserved. According to review of literature this is the largest series of GCT Ulna and we recommend a multicentre and comparitive studies on this topic.

Ulnar Buttress Arthroplasty without Ulnar Stump Stabilization for Giant Cell Tumor of Distal Ulna

Purpose  Reconstruction and stabilization of ulnar stump after distal ulna tumor resection is still a matter of debate. We present the outcomes of ulnar buttress arthroplasty without stabilization of the ulna stump in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) of the distal ulna. Methods  Evaluation of functional outcome was performed using Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 (MSTS93) score, Modified Mayo Wrist score (MMWS), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. We also assessed the hand grip strength, range of motion at the wrist, and ulnar carpal translation. Results  The study included 8 patients with Campanacci grade 3 GCTB of the distal ulna with a mean follow-up of 35.5 ± 9.1 months. The mean resection length was 7.7 ± 1.3 cm. The mean hand grip strength on the operated side was noted to be 90 ± 0.04% of the contralateral side. Mean MSTS93 score was 27.9 ± 1.25, mean MMWS was 86.9 ± 4.58%, and the mean DASH score was 4.9 ± 1.67, depicting a good to excellent functional outcome with low degree of disability. No radiocarpal instability, ulnar carpal translation, prominence, or instability of the proximal ulnar stump was noted in any patient. Conclusion  Reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint using iliac crest bone graft for ulnar buttress without stabilization of the ulnar stump after resection of the distal ulna is an effective reconstruction option with good functional outcome and preservation of good hand grip strength. Level of Evidence  Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Giant Cell Tumor in the Distal End of the Ulna Managed by Darrach's Procedure: A Case Report

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, benign, and locally invasive tumors, typically found in the epiphysis of long bones, most commonly at the distal femur and proximal tibia. To date, GCTs of the distal end of the ulna have been very rare. We document a case of a 38-year-old female with a distal ulna GCT, managed with en-bloc resection of the tumor with flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi ulnaris tendon stabilization. The main aim of the GCT treatment is to prevent local recurrence and to maintain the function of the limb. Physical therapy was also given to the patient which helped in relieving pain, reducing edema, and increasing strength and range of motion. The patient was able to perform activities of daily living with the help of physical therapies and exercises. More research is needed to determine if broad excision of the distal ulna alone is a successful therapy for primary bone cancers affecting the distal ulna, including GCTs.

Clinical and functional outcomes of reconstruction following en bloc resection for the Campanacci grade III distal ulnar giant cell tumors

Background: Wide resection of the tumor is essential for the treatment of Campanacci grade III giant cell tumor of the distal ulna but radioulnar convergence and dorsal displacement of the ulnar stump are known complications. Various reconstructive options to reduce these complications have been described in the literature. Methods: Seven patients with Campanacci grade III giant cell tumor distal end of the ulna were treated at our institute by extra-periosteal wide local excision of the tumor followed by reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint by fixation of tricortical iliac crest graft to the distal end radius using two cancellous screws and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tenodesis for stabilizing the residual ulnar stump. All patients were followed up for an average period of 3.5 years (32–48 months) at regular intervals. Functional outcome and complications if any, were recorded at every follow-up. Results: At final follow-up, the mean range of motion of wrist with 42.1° ± 5.9° of flexion, 72.9° ± 6.4° of extension, 82.1° ± 8.1° of supination and 85.0° ± 5.8° of pronation was achieved. The mean visual analog scale score at the final follow-up was 0.9 ± 0.9. The mean modified Mayo wrist score was 71.4 ± 6.4 with a mean modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of 25.9 ± 0.8 and a mean Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 17.9 ± 1.6 at the final follow-up. The average time for the radiological union of iliac crest graft with the distal end radius was 13.3 weeks. None of the patient reported any complication or recurrence. Conclusion: The reconstruction of distal radioulnar joint by fixation of tricortical iliac crest graft with distal end radius and stabilization of ulnar stump by extensor capi ulnaris tenodesis after the wide resection of distal ulna giant cell tumor is recommended for good to excellent functional outcomes.

Recurrent giant cell tumour of the distal ulna after en bloc resection with preoperative denosumab use

In recent years, denosumab has been used to treat giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) not only in cases where surgery is complicated but also preoperatively to decrease the preoperative grade or to facilitate surgery for Campanacci grade II and III cases. However, there are no clear protocols regarding the preoperative use of denosumab before en bloc resection. There are a few reports of recurrent cases after en bloc resection; however, the association with the use of denosumab is unknown. We present the clinical, radiological and histopathological findings of a case of Campanacci grade III GCTB at the distal end of the ulna, which resulted in soft tissue recurrence after en bloc resection with the preoperative use of denosumab.

Giant cell tumor of distal ulna treated using en-bloc resection combined with extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris tendon stabilization: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) is a form of bone tumor which is rare, benign, and locally invasive. To date, there have not been many case reports regarding cases of GCTs on the distal ulna which made the optimum strategy in management remain controversial. In some reported cases, the patient was treated with wide excision followed by reconstructive procedure resulting in ulnar translation of the carpal bones and dynamic convergence of the ulna towards the radius.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We documented a case of 29-year-old male with distal ulna GCT, treated with en-bloc resection combined with extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi ulnaris tendon stabilization. The key objectives of GCT treatments are to avoid local recurrence with sufficient resection and to maintain the function of the limbs. Specific treatment options have been suggested for en-bloc resection with or without the need for ulnar reconstruction or stabilization, even prothesis. In this case, we excised the distal portion of the ulna with some soft tissue procedure for added stability.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Three weeks after the surgery, the patient was able to perform wrist flexion and extension, fingers abduction, adduction, and opposition with slight limitation. The DASH and PRWE score had improved gradually within 3 weeks and 6 months after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

In the subsequent evaluation after six months of the surgery, the patient achieved full restoration of forearm function without any limitation.

Two rare cases of Giant cell tumor of Distal Ulna

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Giant cell tumours are locally aggressive with a relatively high recurrence rate.

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Common sites are distal femur, proximal tibia and distal radius.

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Contained lesions at these sites managed by joint preservation procedures such as extended curettage with cementing or bone graft.

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GCT in spine, calcaneum and distal ulna are rare, with no uniform consensus regarding the ideal treatment.

Giant cell tumours, though benign, are locally aggressive bone tumours with a relatively high recurrence rate. These usually occur in distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia and humerus. Treatment options for contained lesions at these sites include joint preservation procedures such as extended curettage with cementing or bone graft. GCT in spine, calcaneum and distal ulna are rare, with no uniform consensus regarding the ideal treatment.

Here we report two cases of GCT distal ulna managed with extended curettage and polymethylmethacrylate cementing showing good functional and radiological outcomes without signs of recurrence during 2 years follow up.

Radical Resection of a Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Ulna and Immediate Reconstruction With a Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Implant Arthroplasty

Background: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the distal ulna are rare. Despite being benign, they can be locally aggressive and may recur following conventional treatment by curettage and bone grafting. Salvage reconstructive options after failed conventional treatment include Darrach resection, Suave-Kapandji procedure, hemi-arthroplasty, or total joint arthroplasty. Methods: We discuss reconstruction options for the distal radio-ulnar joint following tumor resection, and present the outcomes of a constrained distal radio-ulnar prosthesis in a 29-year-old male following resection of a distal ulna GCT. Results: Reconstruction of the distal radio-ulnar joint by a constrained prothesis yielded excellent functional outcomes following resection of a GCT of the distal ulna. Conclusions: This case demonstrates that successful oncologic and functional outcomes can be achieved by radical resection of a recurrent GCT of the distal ulna and reconstruction with a constrained total joint arthroplasty.

Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tenodesis Versus No Stabilization After Wide Resection of Distal Ulna Giant Cell Tumors

BACKGROUND

The necessity of stabilizing the residual ulnar stump after distal ulna tumor resection remains controversial. The authors retrospectively compared the outcome of patients who underwent wide resection of distal ulna giant cell tumors (GCTs) and reconstruction with tenodesis of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) or without reconstruction.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2015, 9 patients (6 females, 3 males; mean age, 36.8 years; range, 24-65 years) who underwent distal ulna resection for GCT of bone were retrospectively reviewed. The mean resection length was 8.1 cm. Five patients had no reconstruction, whereas 4 patients had stabilization of the ulnar stump using ECU tenodesis. With a mean follow-up of 3.6 years (2-9 years), the functional outcome using the quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score and grip strength; as well as the oncological outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores were more than 24 in 7 patients and 20 to 24 in 2 patients (mean, 27.6 or 92%). Quick DASH scores ranged from 0 to 27.3 (mean, 11.1). In both groups, similar scores were observed ( P > .5). No patient had instability or pain related to the stump. There was no ulnar translation or subluxation of the radiocarpal joint. Grip strength in the operated hand, controlled for handedness, was 11% less than in the contralateral hand, although there was no difference between groups ( P > .4). All patients were disease-free at the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The distal ulna may be widely resected with or without stabilization of the residual ulnar stump, yielding satisfactory local disease control and functional outcome.

Surgical treatment outcome of giant cell tumor of distal ulna: En bloc resection vs. curettage and bone graft

Background: Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone is a benign neoplasm with local aggressive behavior. Distal ulna is a very rare place for GCT. Published studies have mainly focused on case reports, and thus there is no consistent treatment strategy for this tumor at this location. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the oncological and functional results of 2 different surgical treatment methods for GCT in distal ulna.

Methods: In this study, 9 patients with GCT of distal ulna were followed after surgical treatment of GCT of distal ulna. Of the patients, 2 had local recurrence after surgery in other hospitals and 7 had primarily been admitted to our hospital. Four patients, all with grade 2 Enneking and Campanacci’s classification, were treated by extended curettage and bone grafting, while 5 patients with grade 3 were managed by distal ulnar resection. Minimum follow-up time was 24 months.

Results: Patients with grade 3 GCT of distal ulna, who had extended curettage, had a local recurrence up to one year after surgery. Local recurrence was never seen in those with grade 3 disease with resection or in those with grade 2 disease with extended curettage as the treatment of GCT in this location.

Conclusion: Based on our study, which is the largest cohort of GCT of distal ulna, extended curettage, and en bloc resection can be suggested as valuable methods of treatment for grades 2 and 3 tumors, respectively.

Two cases of distal ulna giant cell tumors treated by extensive resection, prosthetic reconstruction and stabilization using the brachioradialis tendon

Aggressive giant cell tumors are rare at the distal ulna. We report the results of two patients who were treated surgically using a distal ulna prosthesis stabilized by ligament reconstruction with the brachioradialis tendon. At the maximum follow-up of 18months, the two patients were satisfied. Joint range of motion and functional scores were improved. X-rays showed no recurrence or subluxation; however gradual impingement of the ulnar notch of radius by the prosthesis was visible. Our technique seems to be a viable alternative when compared with the treatments described in other published case reports.

Distal ulna leiomyosarcoma treated with custom polymethylmethacrylate prosthesis with a 4-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Intraosseous leiomyosarcoma is a rare neoplasm having an aggressive biologic behavior. The distal end of the ulna is a very uncommon site for this type of primary bone tumor frequently mistaken for benign lesions. En bloc resection of the distal ulna with reconstruction is a valid option as a limb salvage procedure for the treatment of this difficult problem, minimizing local recurrence while preserving hand function.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present an unusual case of a 63-year-old woman with a primary leiomyosarcoma arising from the distal end of the ulna treated successfully with a wide excision and custom distal ulna, with 4-year follow-up and no recurrence.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Tumors to develop at the distal end of the ulna have been reported as part of large series such as Dahlin and few case reports. According to Cooney, Exner, and Mankin, reconstruction for distal ulnar neoplasms is not necessary to maintain function. However, Noble and Laurentin-Perez disagree because stabilization of the distal ulna following large resection, as in our case, can be a significant problem with associated pain and weakness due to a decreased interosseous space with ulnar stump impingement on the radial metaphysis and ulnar translation of the carpus.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Custom methacrylate in situ radioulnar joint prosthesis for reconstruction of a large segment of the distal ulna can be a valid option to reestablish the mechanical continuity of the forearm, reducing pain and improving strength and function.

A Newer Technique of Distal Ulna Reconstruction Using Proximal Fibula and TFCC Reconstruction Using Palmaris Longus Tendon following Wide Resection of Giant Cell Tumour of Distal Ulna

Giant cell tumour of the bone (GCT) is a rare locally aggressive primary bone tumour with an incidence of 3% to 5% of all primary bone tumours. The most common location for this tumour is the long bone metaepiphysis especially of the distal femur, proximal tibia, distal radius, and the proximal humerus. Involvement of distal ulna is rare accounting for 0.45% to 3.2%. Considering local aggressive nature and high recurrence, wide resection is the treatment recommended. Instability of ulnar stump and ulnar translation of the carpals are known complications following resection of distal ulna. To overcome these problems, we attempted a newer technique of distal ulna reconstruction using proximal fibula and TFCC reconstruction using palmaris longus tendon following wide resection of giant cell tumour of distal ulna in a 44-year-old male. This technique of distal radioulnar joint reconstruction has excellent functional results with no evidence of recurrence after one-year followup.

Ulnar buttress arthroplasty after enbloc resection of a giant cell tumor of the distal ulna

Enbloc resection with or without ulnar stump stabilization is the recommended treatment for giant cell tumors (GCT) of the distal ulna. A few sporadic reports are available where authors have described various procedures to prevent ulnar stump instability and ulnar translation of carpal bones. We report a GCT of the distal ulna in a 43-year-old male which was resected enbloc. The distal radioulnar joint was reconstructed by fixing an iliac crest graft to the distal end of the radius (ulnar buttress arthroplasty) and the ulnar stump was stabilized with extensor carpi ulnaris tenodesis. After a followup at three years, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence or graft resorption; the patient had a normal range of movement of the wrist joint and the functional outcome was excellent as per the score of Ferracini et al.

Giant cell tumor of the distal ulna: a case report

Introduction

Several cases of long bone giant cell tumor have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a patient with a giant cell tumor in the distal ulna. This is very unusual, with a reported incidence of 0.45 to 6%.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old Colombian man presented with a painful swelling of the left wrist. After performing an instrumental examination, a diagnosis of distal ulna giant cell tumor was made. The tumor was treated with an intralesional curettage, phenol application and bone grafting.

Conclusions

This tumor may have a good prognosis if it is diagnosed early and radically treated. It is important to be aware of atypical cancer localizations in order to perform a proper diagnosis.