Objective: To investigate diagnostic methods and surgical effect for the treatment of giant cell tumor of tendinous sheath in wrist.
Methods: From September 2002 to October 2009, 8 patients with preoperative diagnosis as giant cell tumor of tendinous sheath based on MRI were treated surgically. There were 5 males and 3 females, ranging in age from 16 to 65 years, with an average of 41 years. The disease course ranged from 10 to 72 months with an average of 31 months.
Results: The diagnosis of all the patients was confirmed as giant cell tumor of tendinous sheath by postoperative pathology. All the patients were followed up, and the during ranged from 5 to 48 months (averaged, 34.2 months). One patient recurred and 3 patients got obvious relief of symptoms of median nerve injury. All the patients had significant improvement in wrist function after surgery.
Conclusion: Preoperative MRI is helpful for differential diagnosis of giant cell tumor of tendinous sheath. Thorough removal of tumor is very important in prevention of recurrence.