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A giant cell tumor totally destroyed the right proximal humerus

Submitted by henry on Wed, 04/21/2010 - 11:12
Case Identification
Case ID Number: 
20100421TD
Periosteal Reaction: 
absent
Benign/Malignant: 
unknown
Clinical case information
Case presentation: 

A 32 year old patient had a giant cell tumor in her right proximal humerus. The AP radiograph and a radiograph taken after the biopsy are shown. Wide resection of the tumor was chosen because the lesion had destroyed too much of the bone and could not be treated with conventional curettage and packing with cement or bone graft.

Treatment Options:: 
What mode of reconstruction for the resulting bone defect will result in the best range of motion of the shoulder according to the literature? What are the three most common complications that may occur following this type of reconstruction?
Special Features of this Case:: 
This case shows a benign tumor which has created a very large defect and the resulting reconstruction is extensive. However, the patient is quite young, and has an excellent prognosis for survival, so the reconstruction chosen must be very durable and the need for reoperations should be avoided. The choice of technique is influenced by the survival probability.
Image Reference: 
GCT proximal humerus
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