Radiological And Clinical Recurrence Of Giant-cell Tumour Of Bone After The Use Of Cement

Abstract

W e have reviewed 13 operations on 11 patients using curettage and polymethylmethacrylate cement for giant-cell tumour of bone (GCT) to assess the value of radiology in the early detection of recurrence. There were four recurrences, the most specific radiological sign on plain radiography was lysis of 5 mm or more at the cement-bone interface. This preceded clinical signs by a mean of four months and was identified at a mean of 3.75 months after operation. There was not always a complete sclerotic margin around the cement, but when it was present, there was never evidence of recurrence. MRI was helpful in assessing cases with evidence of recurrence.