[Wrist joint reconstruction with vascularized fibular head graft after resection of distal radius giant cell tumor].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effectiveness of wrist joint reconstruction with vascularized fibular head graft after resection of distal radius giant cell tumor.

METHODS

Between March 2000 and March 2009, 31 cases of distal radius giant cell tumor were treated with extended resection and vascularized fibular head graft for repairing defects of the distal radius, and reconstructing wrist joint. There were 14 males and 17 females with an average age of 37.2 years (range, 15-42 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 month to 2 years and 3 months with an average of 8 months. The size of tumor was 6.5 cm x 3.5 cm-8.0 cm x 4.5 cm. The range of motion (ROM) of wrist joint was as follows: extension 5-15 degrees (mean, 10.7 degrees), flexion 9-21 degrees (mean, 14.2 degrees), radial inclination 0-10 degrees (mean, 8.6 degrees), and ulnar inclination 0-15 degrees (mean, 7.9 degrees). The ROM of forearm was as follows: pronation 15-50 degrees (mean, 28.7 degrees) and supination 10-25 degrees (mean, 16.5 degrees). The histopathological examination revealed that there were 5 cases of stage I, 17 of stage II, and 9 of stage III.

RESULTS

All patients achieved primary healing of incision and were followed up 1-9 years with an average of 4.5 years. The X-ray films showed that bone healing time was 12-16 weeks with an average of 13 weeks. No tumors recurrence was observed. The ROM of wrist joint was as follows at 1 year after operation: extension 20-50 degrees (mean, 29.0 degrees), flexion 30-50 degrees (mean, 35.0 degrees), radial inclination 10-20 degrees (mean, 16.5 degrees), and ulnar inclination 20-25 degrees (mean, 23.5 degrees). The ROM of forearm was as follows: pronation 40-90 degrees (mean, 68.3 degrees) and supination 30-80 degrees (mean, 59.6 degrees). There were significant differences in the ROM between before operation and after operation (P < 0.05). According to the Krimmer et al wrist score, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 12, and fair in 2.

CONCLUSION

Wrist joint reconstruction with vascularized fibular head graft can restore function of wrist joint. The operation is proved to be safe and effective in treating distal radius giant cell tumor.