Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Giant-cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCT-TS) is a benign solitary tumour which usually arises in the limbs. It occurs most often in the hand where local recurrence after excision has been reported in up to 45% of cases. It is less common in the foot where the biological behaviour and risk of local recurrence have not been defined. We have studied 17 cases of GCT-TS of the foot and ankle in which treatment was by excision. Fifteen presented as a solitary, painless, slow-growing soft-tissue swelling. One lesion was associated with sensory deficit of a digital nerve and one with pain on walking. Thirteen cases originated from the periarticular tendon-sheath complex of the small joints of the toes and four from the capsule or long tendons of the ankle. A correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only three cases. MRI proved to be the most useful preoperative investigation as GCT-TS has a characteristic appearance which allows planned local excision to be carried out. None of the patients with histologically confirmed GCT-TS required further surgery. There was no local recurrence in 15 patients who were available for follow-up at a mean of 85 months.

Original publication

DOI

10.1302/0301-620x.84b7.13115

Type

Journal article

Journal

J bone joint surg br

Publication Date

09/2002

Volume

84

Pages

1000 - 1003

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Ankle, Child, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Foot, Giant Cell Tumors, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Tendons, Treatment Outcome