Reconstruction of the greater trochanter with an allograft after resection of a giant cell tumor

Our report involves the rare case of a giant cell tumor which filled out the greater trochanter. After complete resection of the greater trochanter, reconstructive surgery using a bone allograft was performed. Although the allograft healed without any complications, it was resorbed within 28 months, and there were no signs of infection or tumor recurrence during this period. Even though the greater trochanter was missing, the 32-year-old patient did not have any complaints and showed no weakness of the abductor muscles. This shows that compensation for the missing greater trochanter is possible in adulthood. If the vasto-gluteal muscle sling is maintained, the greater trochanter, which would only function as a hypomochlion, may not be necessary. This is why we do not recommend reconstruction of the greater trochanter with an allograft when it is possible to maintain the tendineous junction between the vastus lateralis muscle and the gluteal muscles.