Abstract
Giant cell tumors of the synovial tendon sheaths (GCTSTS) are a localized form of hemopigmented villonodular synovitis. They mainly affect the hands. This study aims to analyse the epidemiology, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of GCTSTS, to assess the results of surgical treatment and to identify risk factors for recurrences. We conducted a retrospective data collection from medical records of 50 patients with GCTSTS of the hand between 1992 and 2016 in the Department of Orthopaedics at the Hospital of Sahloul (Sousse-Tunisia). The clinical and epidemiological features of GCTSTS have been specified. The average age of patients was 33 years (9-69 years), the sex ratio was 0,6. Constant swelling (100%), joints inter-phalangeal mobilization trouble (6%) and digital pain (18%) were the most frequent reason for consultation. All tumors were located at the level of the digital region, especially at the level of the index (42%). It occurred on the palm of the hand in 66% of cases. All patients underwent surgery; macroscopically GCTTS appeared as an encapsulated polylobed and yellowish brown tumor, extending into the flexor tendons sheath(4 cases) and under the extensor tendon (2 cases). We noted a single case of recurrent cancer (2%) which was treated surgically. The functional results were good in all cases. The diagnosis of GCTTS should be evoked when there is evidence of digital swelling. Their management is based on surgery which is difficult and should be performed correctly to avoid recurrences.