Giant cell tumor: ossification in soft-tissue implants.

Benign giant cell tumor of bone may be implanted into the surrounding soft tissues at the time of surgery or pathologic fracture. These soft-tissue implants may produce ossification that is radiographically visible. A review of the available radiographs of 400 cases of giant cell tumor from the Mayo Clinic and 700 cases seen in consultation yielded 17 examples of this phenomenon. In all but one case, the ossification was found at the periphery of the implant. The radiographic appearance of these implants is characteristic. Recognition of this appearance is necessary so that the tumor may be totally eradicated.