M. Douik

Calcitonin use in giant cell bone tumors

INTRODUCTION As osteoclast, giant cell tumors express calcitonin receptors. The aim of this paper is to assess treatment using salmon calcitonin after curettage. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients with giant cell tumor of the appendicular skeleton treated with a single protocol of calcitonin administration following curettage in order to assess the effectiveness of calcitonin in reducing the rate of local recurrence. RESULTS The mean duration follow-up was 68 months. Thirteen patients (52%) had local recurrence. Eight of them were treated successfully after repeated curettage and calcitonin. Four patients had bone resection and one patient had curettage and cement filling. All patients with cavity left empty had ossified and the functional score as assessed by the MSTS score was 28.02/30. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the use of calcitonin as adjuvant is not effective and that filling agents are not required after curettage of giant cell tumors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4.

Les trochantérites tuberculeuses

This paper presents a short study of 17 cases of tuberculosis of the greater trochanter seen during a period of 19 years at the National Orthopaedic Institute in Tunis. The onset of the infection is slow with patients presenting at a mean of 7 years after initial symptoms. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and culture of the organism. Management is based on treatment with antituberculous drugs, although surgical excision of the lesion is sometimes required. Successful resolution of the symptoms is usually achieved unless the hip joint becomes involved. Our patients showed good results at a mean follow up of 5 1/2 years.