Tibia showing a tumour, and fibula
Object numberGC.5246
TitleTibia showing a tumour, and fibula
DescriptionAnterior segment of a coronal section of the proximal extremeties of an adult left tibia and fibula, showing a simple giant-cell tumour in the head of the tibia.
The compact bone of the lateral surface of the tibia shows an irregular perforation which exposes the tumour within the marrow cavity. On section the epiphysis is seen to be replaced by a homogeneous brown substance which is necrotic medially and shows discoloration from recent haemorrhage. Elsewhere throughout the tumour little spaces are evidence of tissue necrosis or localized haemorrhage.
The tumour invades the diaphysis and marrow cavity but to the naked eye is well defined from the bone marrow. The cartilages of encrustation of the proximal tibiofibular articulation and of the knee joint are intact but in the centre of the lateral condyle of the tibia an irregular discoloration indicates prospective perforation.
Production periodNineteenth century, late
Object nameTIBIA and FIBULA, left
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen