Vascularized Ulnar Transposition and Ulno-scapholunate Fusion for Reconstructing Campanacci Grade 3 Giant Cell Tumor of Distal Radius: Technique and a Series of 5 Cases.

ABSTRACT

Campanacci grade 3 distal radius giant cell tumors are difficult to treat and just doing a curettage and bone grafting is insufficient. These lesions are associated with a high chance of recurrence. We are presenting our technique and series of 5 patients who underwent enbloc excision and ulna transposition with ulno-scapholunate fusion. Between 2014 and 2017 5 patients underwent en bloc excision of Campanacci grade 3 giant cell tumor of the distal radius, ulna transposition and ulno carpal fusion. These patients were regularly followed for evidence of union, range of motion, grip strength, and to look for recurrence of tumor. All 5 patients were Campanacci grade 3 tumors. The average duration of symptoms was 5 months (1 to 9 mo). The average duration of follow-up was 33 months (24 to 48 mo). The average time for ulno-scapholuante fusion was 8 weeks (6 to 10 wk) and the average time to radio ulnar fusion was 14.5 weeks (12 to 16 wk). The average arc of wrist flexion and extension was 34 degrees. The average grip strength was 58.2% of the contralateral side (48% to 69%). In conclusion vascularized ulnar transposition with partial wrist fusion for a Camapanacci grade 3 giant cell tumor is an alternate procedure in the management of these difficult tumors.