Is bone grafting necessary? Analysis of twenty cases of giant cell tumour of bone treated by curettage without graft.

Twenty cases of giant-cell tumour of bone treated over an 11-year period were analysed. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. Primary treatment consisted of a detailed curettage alone, without bone grafting. A recurrence rate of 30% (six patients) was recorded. Cases of recurrence were suitable for resection and endoprosthetic replacement. We conclude that detailed curettage alone, without a bone graft, is an effective primary treatment for patients with giant-cell tumour of bone.