Stabilization of Ulnar Stump with Extensor Carpi Ulnaris: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Giant cell tumor (GCT) involving distal ulna being rare with reported rate of 0.45-3% of all GCT cases; the literature has only sporadic cases reported. Various treatment options have been proposed, and dilemma exist whether to do resection alone or resection combined with stabilization or reconstruction. Also, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the method of stabilization or reconstruction. A case of GCT of lower end ulna treated with excision of the distal end of ulna and stabilization of stump with extensor carpi ulnaris tendon slip in a 41-year-old female. The patient had an excellent functional outcome and no evidence of recurrence at 2 years of follow-up. Resection of ulna proximal to the insertion of pronator quadratus could lead to instability in the form of radio-ulnar convergence and winging of the ulnar stump and result in limitation of forearm rotation and weakness in grasping. Stabilization of the ulnar stump after resection for a GCT gave excellent results.