Prosthetic replacement of the knee in the treatment of infected and recurring giant cell tumor of the distal femur.

Giant cell bone tumors represent a specific problem in surgery. While excochleation of the tumor and insertion of the bone transplant (with the potential development of local recurrence or even malignant alterations) were the former procedures of treatment, today it is recognized that block resection of the tumor and replacement of the defect with a special endoprosthesis gives better and longer lasting results and complete functional restitution of the joint. The case report of a 25-year-old patient with recurring giant cell tumor of the distal femur is presented. Due to the failure of surgical treatment and repeated recurrence with infection, 15 cm of the distal femur was resected and a knee endoprosthesis was inserted. Two years after surgery, functional findings of the knee are excellent and there are no signs of infection.