Custom 3D-printed finger proximal phalanx as salvage of limb function after aggressive recurrence of giant cell tumour

Abstract

Giant cell tumours (GCT) of the finger phalanges are extremely rare but have a high rate of recurrence. This report details the case of a GCT of the proximal phalanx of the fourth finger in a 64-year-old man. The patient was initially subjected to systemic neoadjuvant denosumab treatment, and subsequent aggressive curettage, sparing of the articular joints, local cryotherapy and autologous intercalary fibular bone graft. Finger function after surgery was considered satisfactory, despite limited proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint motion. Aggressive local GCT recurrence was noted at the 32-month follow-up, with entire articular and diaphyseal phalangeal destruction. The patient refused amputation and, after analysing several reconstruction options, he was treated by entire en bloc resection and reconstruction employing a 3D-printed custom titanium implant. At the 24-month follow-up, the patient is free of disease and pain, and has a stable finger, good metacarpal–phalangeal joint motion, fusion of the PIP joint, a good Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score, and functional ability.