Fibulo‐scapho‐lunate arthrodesis after resection of the distal radius for giant‐cell tumor of the bone

Background: Giant‐cell tumors of the distal radius are rare. They have a high‐risk of local recurrence and a risk of pulmonary metastasis. Curettage alone or combined with adjunctive agents is often associated with local recurrence. Methods: Three patients with giant‐cell tumor of the distal radius are presented. All patients showed Campanacci grade 3 lesions. All patients underwent complete distal radius resection and reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft distally fused with the scaphoid and the lunate, allowing midcarpal motion. Results: The follow‐up period ranged from 6 to 60 months. For all three patients, emotional acceptance was excellent. The postoperative motion of the wrist was good, with a range of motion of 30‐0‐30°, 40‐0‐0°, and 30‐0‐10° (extension–flexion). There was neither tumor recurrence nor pulmonary metastasis. Conclusion: Fibulo‐scapho‐lunate fusion is an elegant method of distal radius reconstruction with good functional outcome and low risk of pulmonary metastasis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.