STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To highlight risk factors, recurrence patterns and multimodal treatment in management of recurrent giant cell tumors (GCTs). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: GCTs of the spine are rare and challenging entities. Recurrences are very common and warrant complex management to prevent multiple recurrences. Gross total resection is preferred over subtotal procedures to prevent recurrences. However, resection is associated with morbidity and mortality. Proper understanding of risk factors and a high index of suspicion helps to spot recurrences early and aids in subsequent management. METHODS: Ten patients (six females, four males) with recurrent GCTs underwent 17 interventions. There were six lesions in the thoracic spine, two in the cervical spine and two in the lumbar spine. Recurrences were managed with preoperative digital subtraction embolization, intralesional curettage and postoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: The average age at intervention was 31.3 years. The average duration of recurrence in patients following index surgery in a tertiary care hospital and surgery elsewhere was 7.3 years and was 40 months, respectively. The minimum recurrence-free interval after the last recurrent surgery was 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reports the largest recurrence-free interval for GCTs. Recurrent GCTs are challenging entities. Understanding of risk factors and meticulous planning is required to prevent recurrences. Intralesional surgery could be a safer and effective modality in managing recurrences.
Combined Modality Therapy ; Curettage ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumors* ; Giant Cells* ; Humans ; Mortality ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Spine ; Tertiary Healthcare

Methods: This retrospective analysis involved 51 patients who underwent lumbar decompression for LCS associated with DLS from October 2006 to October 2016. The magnitude of the curve was determined using Cobb’s angle and lumbar lordosis (D12–S1) on the preoperative and final follow-up, respectively. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) scores at the preoperative and final follow-up indicated the functional outcome. Statistical analyses were performed using Student t -test. Results: All 51 patients were included in the statistical analyses. The mean patient age at presentation was 63.88±7.21 years. The average follow-up duration was 48±18.10 months. The average change in the Cobb’s angle at the final follow-up was statistically insignificant (1°±1.5°, p=0.924; 20.8°±5.1° vs. 21.9°±5.72°). The mean change in lumbar lordosis at the final follow-up was statistically insignificant (3.29°±1.56°, p=0.328; 30.2°±7.9° vs. 27.5°±7.1°). There was statistically insignificant worsening in the back VAS scores at the final follow-up (4.9±1.9 vs. 6.0±1.2, p=0.07). There was statistically significant improvement in the leg pain component of the VAS score at the final follow-up (5.8±1.05 vs. 2.6±1.2, p<0.001). There was statistically significant improvement in the mODI scores at the final follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusions Lumbar decompression in DLS is associated with good functional outcome, especially when the symptoms are related to LCS. Curve progression following lumbar decompression is very less at mid-term and is similar to that in the natural course of the disease.