[Arthroscopic treatment of the giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in knee joint].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the technique of diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) in knee joint, and to evaluate its clinical results.

METHODS: Twelve patients with GCTTS treated during 15 years were reviewed. Nine cases were misdiagnosed with meniscus injury (6 cases) and chronic synovitis (3 cases) before operation, only 3 cases were confirmed the diagnosis of GCTTS by MRI. Complete tumorectomy under arthroscope was performed on all 12 cases.

RESULTS: The results of clinical and radiographic followed-up of 9 patients for 1 to 10 years after operation was satisfactory. Clinical symptoms disappeared, range of motion and X-ray findings were normal. There was no recurrent case found.

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic removal of GCTTS is an effective treatment. Tumor wide resection and debriding the channel which tumor passed through are the key point to prevent the recurrence after operation.