Wide resection and reconstruction of giant cell tumor of the distal humerus with favorable outcomes in 3 months: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A giant cell tumor is a locally aggressive tumor with low-risk progression into malignant and rarely metastasize, but a high risk of recurrence and notable disturbance of bony architecture in peri-articular locations. Wide resection provides a more advantageous therapy option, but the functional outcome is often hampered. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-years old woman came with a lump on the left elbow as chief of complaint since a year ago that kept growing bigger with pain, local tenderness, and limited motion. She underwent several examinations and was diagnosed with a giant cell tumor in the distal humerus. Wide excision and reconstruction surgery using megaprosthesis, rotational flap, nerve graft, and skin graft were done. After 3 months follow-up, the patient had favorable functional outcomes. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The primary aim of treating giant cell tumors is wide resection with good functional than cosmesis outcomes. This manner was common and expected to reduce the potential risk of infection. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction with megaprosthesis, nerve and skin graft, is a reasonable option after wide resection of the giant cell tumor in the left humerus with favorable functional outcomes within 3 months compared with other treatment modalities.