A rare case of neglected long-term pathologic fracture of the distal femur due to a giant cell tumor of bone

Abstract

Giant cell tumor of bone is a histologically benign bone neoplasia that clinically has an aggressive course. In rare cases, it can give "benign" lung metastases or undergo malignant transformation. The World Health Organization defines this neoplasia as an "aggressive, potentially malignant lesion". Herein, we present a rare case of a neglected long-term pathologic fracture of the distal femur in a 20-year-old female patient. After a biopsy, a giant cell tumor of bone was diagnosed. The patient was treated with intralesional curettage, osteoplasty and plate fixation of the fracture. Eight months postoperatively, no local recurrence or metastasis of the tumor was observed.

Keywords

• giant cell tumor of bone
• pathological fracture
• operative treatment