Tenosynovial giant cell tumors as accidental findings after episodes of distortion of the ankle: Two case reports

Abstract

Introduction. Tenosynovial giant cell tumors are benign tumors of uncertain pathogenesis. They occur in the joints, tendons and synovial bursas. Due to a high recurrence rate of up to 50%, some authors call a giant cell tumor a semimalignant tumor. To date, less than 10 cases of tenosynovial giant cell tumor of the ankle have been published in the international medical literature. Case presentation. In this case report, we present two patients with localized tumors that were detected accidentally after the occurrence of ankle sprains with persisting pain in the joint. The tumors were resected by open marginal surgery and regular follow-up examinations were carried out. Conclusions. We present an unusual occurrence of a tumor along with a possible follow-up strategy, which has not been previously discussed in the international literature. © 2009 Illian et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.