Giant cell tumor of axial vertebra: surgical experience of five cases and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Due to the complex anatomy of the upper cervical spinal column region and the variable aggressiveness of giant cell tumors (GCTs), there exists no standard treatment for GCTs of axial vertebra. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few case reports in the literature and no large sum numbers of clinical trials about the treatment of, or research into, axial vertebra GCTs. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, five patients pathologically diagnosed with axial vertebra GCTs were treated at our hospital. We performed intralesional excision and odontoid process reconstructive surgery to preserve the odontoid process, followed with adjuvant radiation therapy after surgery. RESULTS: For those with an intact bone shell, part of the β-TCP (beta tricalcium phosphate) artificial bone could be seen clearly after surgery and became blurred three months after surgery, as seen on a radiograph. One year later, the part of β-TCP artificial bone was fused as a block. Subsequently, autogenous bone regenerated successfully and artificial bone degraded thoroughly. For those with a defective cortical bone, partial fusion of the odontoid process, autograft ilium and third vertebra body could be seen three months after surgery, and complete fusion was seen nine months later. The odontoid process was preserved successfully, and the upper cervical spine was reconstructed effectively, without implant failure or infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the odontoid process and function of upper cervical vertebra was preserved successfully through lesion curettage, combined with reconstruction with bone grafting, and adjuvant radiation therapy after surgery. During the follow-up periods, no recurrence or complications was observed.