Abstract: Background: Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign, locally aggressive bone tumor with rarely tendency to metastasize. The location of giant cell tumors in areas like distal femur, proximal tibia, etc. makes the management of the tumor challenging. Inadequate curettage may lead to recurrence of the tumor, which has to be kept in mind even before planning for surgery.
Aims and Objectives: Large giant cell tumor management has always been difficult. Even more difficult is tackling the complication like recurrence. This case was studied to know how the extended curettage with phenol crystal helps in reducing the risk of recurrence of GCT.
Methods: An 18 year old male clinically and radiologically diagnosed to have GCT in the medial condyle right distal femur was taken up for extended curettage with phenol crystal wash, bone grafting and cementation with allograft mixed with bone cement and medial condylar plating for right distal femur. Followed by a histo-pathological examination of the curetted sample. Regular follow-up of the patient was done at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post operatively to assess for recurrence of the tumor.
Result: Histo-pathologically the diagnosis of giant cell tumor was confirmed. At regular follow-ups of 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post operatively and also an MRI done at 12 months follow-up period showed no evidence of recurrence of the tumor.
Conclusion: Giant cell tumor management has better outcomes with extended curettage with phenol crystal wash followed by bone grafting, cementing and plating. This study has shown no evidence of recurrence with the following technique at 18 months follow-up period. Phenol crystals can be used as a better alternative to liquid nitrogen for extended curettage.
