Local recurrences in giant cell tumour of bone. Long-term follow up of 31 cases.

We studied the value of histopathological grading in determining the prognosis of giant cell tumour (osteoclastoma) and the rate of local and distant recurrences in a consecutive series of 31 patients. We found that grading had no prognostic value. Eighteen patients were treated by intralesional curettage and 13 by wide excision. Ten patients (56%), who were all treated by curettage, had local recurrences, but none of the tumours with wide excision recurred (p < 0.05). Five (16%) had local recurrences as well as distant metastases, usually to the lungs. The recurrences developed later than an average of 12 years after primary treatment in 3 patients. Wide excision and life-long follow up should be considered in the management of these tumours.