A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the extended curettage procedure — covering preparation, surgical steps, adjuvants, reconstruction options, expected outcomes and the evidence behind this limb-preserving technique.
Three short stories illustrating how extended curettage preserved the limb — and the life — of three young patients.
A keen young cricketer presented with a large benign-aggressive lesion. Extended curettage with a high-speed burr, adjuvants and cement reconstruction allowed early return to sport.
A pathological fracture with tumour spillage demanded meticulous lesion clearance, adjuvant treatment and stable fixation — preserving the joint and her childhood mobility.
A recurrent giant cell tumour eroding the joint surface was managed with re-do extended curettage, adjuvants and composite reconstruction — restoring function in a young patient.
A choreographed sequence — meticulous removal, adjuvant kill, then stable reconstruction.
Along the previous biopsy scar or planned surgical corridor — avoiding contamination of future resection planes.
Creates a bloodless field for precise tumour identification and removal.
A bone window large enough for direct visualisation and instrument access.
Macroscopic tumour is removed using curettes of varying angles.
Burring 2–3 mm beyond the visible tumour margin reduces recurrence by 30–50% compared with simple curettage.
Chemical or thermal agents kill residual cells — phenol (85%), hydrogen peroxide, liquid nitrogen, or argon plasma coagulation.
Monopolar or argon plasma to denature remaining tumour cells at the cavity wall.
Filled based on size, location, patient age and proximity to the joint surface.
High-speed burring beyond the visible tumour margin reduces recurrence by 30–50% compared with simple curettage.1
The choice is tailored to defect size, location, your age, and proximity to the joint — to maximise function and minimise recurrence.
Immediate structural support, thermo-cytotoxic effect, and easy radiographic recurrence detection. Local recurrence ~5–10%.
Autograft or allograft for biological remodelling when the host bone is insufficient.
Ceramic or synthetic grafts that fill smaller cavity defects.
Plate, screws or nails added when extra mechanical stability is required.
Local recurrence with adjuvants & cement in giant cell tumour
Functional scores at 2 years post curettage & cement
Sustained pain relief at 6 months for bone metastases
Postoperative infection at specialist centres
Extended curettage is a limb-preserving surgery where your surgeon scrapes out a bone tumour's contents and then uses a high-speed burr to remove microscopic tumour cells beyond the visible borders. It is indicated for:
Evidence shows local recurrence rates <10% for extended curettage of giant cell tumours when combined with adjuvants and cement reconstruction.1
For bone metastases, extended curettage combined with cement provides durable pain relief and structural stability, improving quality of life in 70–80% of patients at 6 months.1
Extended curettage — combining meticulous tumour removal, high-speed burring, adjuvants and tailored reconstruction — offers excellent local control and limb function for benign bone tumours, and meaningful palliative benefit in metastases. Close follow-up ensures early detection of recurrence and the best possible long-term outcomes.
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