What the study found
The study found that en bloc resection of proximal fibular giant cell tumour, together with preservation of the common peroneal nerve and reattachment of the lateral stabilizers, was followed by good oncological and functional outcomes in skeletally immature patients. Most patients recovered common peroneal nerve function, and no tumour recurrences were reported at 12 months.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this approach may provide excellent oncological control and functional outcomes in skeletally immature patients with proximal fibula giant cell tumour and preoperative common peroneal nerve neuropraxia. In this context, common peroneal nerve neuropraxia means temporary weakness or loss of function of the nerve around the knee.
What the researchers tested
The researchers reviewed 20 skeletally immature patients aged 18 years or younger with histologically confirmed proximal fibula giant cell tumour and preoperative common peroneal nerve neuropraxia. All were treated between September 2023 and August 2024 with en bloc (Malawer type I) resection and reattachment of the lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris, and followed for at least 12 months.
What worked and what didn't
All patients had negative surgical margins, and the mean operative time was 72 minutes. At 12 months, 17 patients had complete common peroneal nerve recovery and 3 had partial recovery; there were no persistent palsies and no recurrences. Knee stability was good in 17 knees, while 3 had grade I varus laxity, and complications included two superficial infections and one wound debridement.
What to keep in mind
This was a retrospective case series with 20 patients and one-year follow-up, so the evidence is limited to this small group and time period. The abstract does not describe a comparison group, and longer-term outcomes are not provided.
- 20 skeletally immature patients with proximal fibula giant cell tumour were treated with en bloc resection.
- 17 patients had complete common peroneal nerve recovery by 12 months; 3 had partial recovery.
- No tumour recurrences or persistent palsies were reported at 12 months.
- Most knees were stable after surgery, but 3 showed grade I varus laxity.
- Complications included two superficial infections and one wound debridement.

