Giant-cell tumors of the bones of the hand.

Twenty-eight giant-cell tumors of the bones of the hands of 21 patients were reviewed. There were 14 lesions in the phalanges, 12 in the metacarpals, and two in the carpal bones. Giant-cell tumor of bones develop at a younger age, have a shorter duration of symptoms, and recur more rapidly when they occur in the hand than when they occur in other locations. Curettage was found to be ineffective as a method of treatment; 13 of 15 tumors treated by curettage recurred. Amputation or local resection is recommended. Since there is an 18% incidence of multicentric foci of giant-cell tumors of the hand, bone scan is advised when these tumors occur in the hand.