Medium term observation of the effects of reconstructing knee function by the autogenous bone graft and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty after tibia giant cell tumor resection

HAO Xue-wei; HAN Yong-tai

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-252X.2013.11.004

Abstract：Objective To discuss the application of autogenous bone graft and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to reconstruct the knee function after the resection of the giant cell tumors of in the tibial condyle, and to put forward the operative approach and observe effects. Methods From 2008 July to 2012 June, there were 6 patients ( 4 males and 2 females ) with giant cell tumors in proximal tibial in the single condyle. It occurred in 3 patients in the medial condyle and 3 in the lateral condyle. The age on average was 38 years ( range;22-45 years ). The history was from 3 to 10 months in the initial onset. The destruction by the tumors was less than half of the CT scanned cross section in the transverse line. The articular surface was obviously invaded. The surrounding soft tissues were invaded in 2 patients. Pathological fracture occurred in 3 patients. Radical resection was performed and the knee function was reconstructed through autogenous bone graft and unicondyle knee arthroplasty. Results There was no case with recurrence in all the patients after 6 months to 4 years’ follow-up. Results according to the functional evaluation put forward by International Society of Limb Salvage ( ISOLS ) were evaluated. 6 categories included:pain, function, emotional acceptance, supports, walking ability and gait in the lower extremities. 5 cases were excellent, 1 case was good. The range of the motion of knee joint all ranged from 0° to 120° measured postoperatively without joint instability. The operation got satisifed effect and improved the quality of life obviously. Conclusions The giant cell tumor of tibia in the single condyle could be resected in the condyle. The knee function could be reconstructed with autogenous bone graft and unicondyle knee arthroplasty. The operative approach got satisifed effects in the short to medium term observation. And the knee function recovered well after the operation.