Giant cell tumors of the spine: a clinical study of six cases, with emphasis on the radiological features, treatment, and follow-up.

Six cases of giant cell tumor of the spine are reported. Based on cases reported in the literature and on their personal experience, the authors stress the difficulty of making a proper differential diagnosis between giant cell tumor and other giant cell variants (i.e., aneurysmal bone cyst and benign osteoblastoma) on the basis of the clinicoradiological findings alone. It is pointed out that the disappointing recurrence rate of about 50% for giant cell tumors in ordinary locations (such as the long bones) and in the sacrum is remarkably decreased when these tumors involve the movable part of the vertebral column; giant cell tumors above the level of the sacrum have a better prognosis. (Neurosurgery, 6: 29--34, 1980)]