Recurrence of Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is an unresolved issue, though it is a non malignant condition. The authors operated on fourteen cases of GCTTS, after fine needle aspiration cytology confirmation and using a magnifying loupe for complete excision of the lesion including the satellite nodules. In only one case recurrence was noted which was successfully managed by a second wide excision. Preoperative diagnosis and meticulous surgical technique were found the only predictive factor of recurrence. During the 5 year period from 2002, 12 patients [11 females, 1 male, mean age 29.5, ranging from 10-53 years] underwent excision of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of the hand. The lesions were found over the thumb [n=7], ring finger [n=1], index finger [n=1], and over the hand [n=2]. The lesions were classified using the Al-Qattan classification. The most common presentation was with a mass over the hand, with a predilection to the thumb [n=7]. Radiological changes in the form of bony indentation was seen in only 2 cases. FNAC was inconclusive in 2 out of the 12 cases. Due to the high incidence of recurrence, preoperative planning aided by a tissue diagnosis with fine needle aspiration cytology, wide surgical exposure, and meticulous dissection with help of magnification are imperative for a successful outcome in GCTTS.

Radiological changes have been described in de Quervain's disease of the wrist. The author analyzed the clinical data of 114 patients who reported to the orthopedic clinic of a Regional Referral Hospital for a period of 4 years [2003 to 2007]. Radiographs of the wrist were available for 39 cases, of which 14 [35.89%] were found abnormal. Two patients with abnormal radiographs [14.28%] required surgery where as 7 out of 25 [28%] with normal radiographs were managed surgically. Radial styloid abnormality was not found statistically significant [p < 0.05], and the outcome of management was irrespective of the changes in the radial styloid.

No abstract

Tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, commonly known as de Quervain disease, is most of the time amenable to conservative treatment in form of splinting and injection of steroids into the compartment. Resistant cases need surgical release of the compartment but with high incidence of incomplete release owing to tendon anomalies and damage to the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN). Many techniques evolved for a period of years, techniques using longitudinal, transverse, and oblique incisions, but damage to SBRN still remains unsolved. The authors describe a technique they have been using since 2004 and, so far, operated on 17 wrists without a single incidence of damage to the SBRN.