Giant cell tumor of the rib with direct invasion into the thoracic spine

Abstract

Giant cell tumors of bone are relatively rare, benign, but locally aggressive osteolytic skeletal neoplasms of young adults. They usually affect the epiphyses of long bones, especially around the knee joint, and are rarely seen in the ribs. The mainstay of therapy is surgical resection. Herein, we report a case of successful resection in a patient who presented with primary giant cell tumor of the rib, directly invading the thoracic spine. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were helpful for assessing the depth of tumor invasion. Radical resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the vertebrae with preserved allograft bone were performed. No respiratory or neurological problems occurred, and the patient remained well 2 years after surgery.