Giant Cell Tumorsof the Spine in Children

Objective. To study clinical and radiological signs, and outcomes of treatment of giant cell tumor (GCT) of the spine in children. Material and Methods. Clinical and radiological features, therapeutic approach, and results of treatment of six children aged from 10 to 15 years with GCT of the spine were analyzed. Results. All patients underwent radical reconstruction of the spine with singlestep tumor removal. Shortterm surgery outcomes demonstrate reduction of pain, regression of neurological disorders, and restoration of the spine support. Five children have an ordinary lifestyle without subjective complaints. Recurrence of GCT was diagnosed in one case. Conclusion. Clinical and radiological signs of GCT are not specific in comparison with other monosegmental destructivelytic vertebral lesions. Pain and neurological disorders are typical clinical manifestations of GCT of the spine. СТ and MRI examinations are highly informative methods for determination of the tumor dissemination and aggressiveness, and percutaneous biopsy – for its preoperative verification. Radical GCT removal with spine support restoration is the only justified method for GCT treatment in children.