Functional outcome of campanacci grade 3 giant cell tumours of distal radius after resection and reconstruction with ulnar translocation technique: a case series

Background: Reconstruction after en-bloc resection can be challenging in cases of Campanacci grade 3 giant cell tumour of the bone (GCTB) of the distal radius. Here, the authors examined the outcomes of patients with Campanacci grade 3 GCTBs of the distal radius who underwent wrist arthrodesis and reconstruction with ulnar translocation.
Material and methods: This case series was a retrospective single-centre study. Clinical assessments regarding the functional status and complications were follow-up. The functional results were evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score. Paired t-tests were used to compare the MSTS and DASH scores separately before and after the operation. Statistical differences were considered significant at P less than 0.05.
Results: Seven patients were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 14.43 ± 8.08 months. The average length of tumour resection was 9.78 ± 2.88 cm. The average range of motion of the involved forearm was 82.66° of supination and 81.54° of pronation. The average MSTS score was 11.71 ± 2.21 before and 25.14 ± 2.41 after the operation (P<0.05). The average DASH score on admission was 40.14 ± 14.66, which decreased to 9.02 ± 4.23 after the operation (P<0.05). Of the seven cases, one case had a recurrence, and one patient had radioulnar synostosis.
Conclusion: Wrist arthrodesis combined with ulnar translocation can be considered a simple and effective reconstruction method with preservation of function after en-bloc resection of Campanacci grade 3 GCTB of the distal radius. It provides good functional outcomes with low complication rates.