[Treatment of recurrent giant cell tumor of the tibia with en bloc resections, bone transport and arthrodesis using an AO type external fixations system. A case report].
BACKGROUND
The primary treatment for the giant cell tumor (GCT) at the knee level, both distal femur and proximal tibia remains curettage and application of methyl methacrylate. In the cases where recurrence occurs, controversy exists in the decision making algorithm whether to preserve the joint, or to perform en bloc resection.


METHODS
We report a case of GCT that relapsed at proximal tibia in a stage III of Enneking, in a 26 year old patient, that was handled with en bloc resection, transportation and bone arthrodesis using an AO type tubular external fixator (Synthes). After two years of evolution there was no evidence of tumor relapse, the limb was preserved and we obtained a solid arthrodesis, and an acceptable gait.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe this procedure is a feasible option and an alternative to tumoral prosthesis and amputation. However, despite the success obtained with this procedure, we strongly recommend to assess the functional reconstruction procedures on an individual basis and according to the need of each patient.
Arredondo-Gómez
Edgardo
E
Hospital Regional de Especialidades Núm, 1 Ignacio García Téllez. arredondo61@prodigy.net.mx
Pasos Novelo
F Javier
FJ
Vargas Mena
Rodrigo
R
D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D018212:Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013977:Tibia