Allograft replacement of distal radius for giant cell tumor.

Three cases of resection of the distal radius with allograft replacement for giant cell tumor of bone were reviewed. In one patient the tumor had penetrated the distal articular cortex; in another it had broken through the anterior cortex; in the third there had been recurrence of the tumor within a year of currettage and autogenous bone graft. In each case the allograft was glycerinized to help to preserve the viability of the articular cartilage and then it was frozen at -70 degrees C to decrease bone antigenicity. In all three patients rapid healing at the recipient-graft juncture took place, and none showed signs of rejection or of recurrence of the tumor. All three have a useful and relatively painless range of wrist motion. Distal radial resection and allograft replacement is recommended for giant cell tumor of bone if there has been spontaneous cortical or articular breakthrough, recurrence, or evidence of a rapidly enlarging lesion or a frankly malignant histologic appearance.