Comprehensive Physiotherapy Management of Giant Cell Tumour - A Case Report

Background: A 21-year-old female student from Patiala, Punjab currently residing in Canada and working at Tim Hortons, presented with a two-month history of persistent, sharp pain in her left knee, making it difficult to bend. Case Presentation: The patient is 154 cm tall, weighing 58 kg and with a BMI of 24.4 kg/m², had a fall in August eight months prior to presentation. Initial consultation with an orthopedician a week post-fall led to analgesics and an X-ray recommendation. An X-ray on October 15th in Canada revealed a concerning ill-defined lytic lesion within the distal femoral metaphysis, suggestive of a neoplastic or malignant process. Returning to India for further treatment, a CT scan at the AlIMS confirmed a grade 3 giant cell tumour diagnosis. On November 25th, a plaster cast was applied and a biopsy on December 2nd confirmed the diagnosis, leading to a surgical recommendation. Treatment and Outcome: Chemotherapy infusion commenced on January 13th and continued until March. Surgery involving curettage and Titanium plating was performed on April 4th, with the limb placed in a plaster cast removed on April 24th. Post-surgery, an above-knee brace was provided and physiotherapy management was advised. On May 6th, visited Dr. Prem Cancer Hospital, Physiotherapy OPD for ongoing physiotherapy management. Conclusion: The patient journey from initial injury through diagnosis, treatment and post-surgical rehabilitation highlights the complexity of managing giant cell tumours and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach including orthopaedic, oncological and physiotherapeutic care. Key words: Female, Young Adult, Titanium, Casts