Publication:

Revision arthrodesis in a failed knee arthrodesis for a giant cell tumor excision of distal femur: a case report

Giant cell tumor is a benign tumor with locally aggressive behaviour. It is common in 20–40 years of age group. Common location of the tumor includes distal end of femur, proximal end of tibia. It is slightly more common in females than males. We present a case of forty-four years-old lady with a persistent swelling over her left knee and was diagnosed with a distal femur giant cell tumor. After a wide excision, dual free fibula grafting and arthrodesis of the knee with a long nail was performed. However, she experienced pain and progressive deformity three years after surgery. X-rays revealed the failure of union of the free fibula graft to the residual femur and the breakage of the nail at that site. A revision arthrodesis was performed with removal of implant and stabilizing the non-united ends with dual plating with bone grafting from lateral tibial condyle and bone graft substitutes. She was discharged with left side non weight bearing mobilization with walker support and was started on full weight-bearing mobilization after one year with satisfactory union on X-rays.