Rare and complex procedure to salvage ankle joint mutilated by a tumor.

About the Patient and Condition

A 29-year-old male patient presented with left ankle pain. He had a history of previous surgery around left ankle for a bone tumor called a giant cell tumor.

Case Scenario

After clinical examination and imaging, it was diagnosed to be a relapse of recurrent giant cell tumour of the left talus, the bone which forms the lower part of the ankle and distal tibia. The imaging indicated complete destruction of the talus. As the tumour was present in two bones connected through the ankle joint, specialists devised a complex surgical plan. The distal tibia required extended curettage and sandwich reconstruction. Since the talus was almost completely destroyed by the tumour, a metal talus was the option to replace it and restore functionality. However, measuring the exact dimensions of the mutilated talus to design a customised metal replica was a challenge. A metal talus was implanted which was designed to precision using the latest state-of-the-art 3D modelling technology.

Worldwide Scenario

Giant cell tumour is a rare but aggressive non-cancerous tumour and usually develops near a bone joint. These tumours mostly occur in long bones of legs and arms in young adults after bone growth ceases. 2 – 5 % of the giant cell tumours can be malignant, however, in the case of this patient it was benign. The cause of giant cell tumours is unknown. These tumours do relapse and as of today there is no way to prevent recurrence.

Expertise at Apollo Hospitals

Our specialist led by Dr Rajeev Reddy, Consultant Orthopaedic Oncosurgeon and Sarcoma Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad overcame the challenge of measuring the exact dimensions of the mutilated talus by capturing the MRI and CT images of the talus on the patient’s right leg and later a 3D metal model was designed for the left talus. The metal talus with precise dimensions was made by the in-house 3D printing team. This advanced 3D modelling technology is currently available at very few centres in the world and is of immense value in performing complex surgeries.

Apollo Hospitals – Touching Lives

The experts at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, led by Dr Rajeev Reddy, Consultant Orthopaedic Oncosurgeon and Sarcoma Specialist salvaged a completely mutilated ankle joint. At Apollo, we plan every single detail under one roof which ensures patients’ comfort and safety.

Patient’s Testimonial

The patient was discharged on the 3rd day of surgery, as he had recovered. He underwent rehabilitation and is very satisfied with the treatment.