Localized tenosynovial giant cell tumors of the fingers: does recurrence have any relation with bone involvement?

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of bone involvement or erosion in localized TGCT of the fingers on local recurrence rates subsequent to surgical excision. The 85 patients who underwent surgical treatment were monitored clinically and radiologically for an average duration of 64.32 ± 53.85 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were conducted on patients exhibiting indications of recurrence. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Michigan Hand Outcome Survey (MHOS) were assessed and statistically analyzed. The mean age was 42.27 ± 15.75. Female patients were predominant (67.1%). There was volar involvement, mostly in the 1-2-3 fingers, and bone involvement was significantly associated to tumor recurrence ( p = 0.012 in univariate / p = 0.041 in multivariable analysis). The mean NPRS score was 2.22. In the MHOS assessment, a strong correlation was found between the overall hand score and daily activities, work performance, pain, and satisfaction ( r = 0.755, p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between aesthetic perception and other variables and grip and pinch tests ( p > 0.05). Our study demonstrates that intraosseous involvement in isolated single-finger TGCT requires aggressive treatment; furthermore, we found that the combined use of careful manual curettage and high-speed mechanical drilling resulted in an acceptable local recurrence rate of 10.6 per cent, whilst preserving long-term hand function.