Many authorities express concern that giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm are more frequently recurrent and difficult to treat chiefly because of the proximity to the carpus and the resultant diminished range of motion in the hand and forearm. We have studied the results from our institution for 49 patients with giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm treated from 2 to 28 years (mean, 14 +/- 7 years) and compared the results for different methods of treatment. Through the computer database 49 patients with giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm (46 of the radius, 3 of the ulna) were identified. By using material from patient visits, chart review, and when necessary telephone interviews it was possible to gather demographic and outcome data for the 49 patients. For the radial lesions, 15 of the patients had a marginal resection of the distal radius along with the periosteum and ligamentous structures and implantation of cadaveric allografts. Twenty-six patients had intralesional curettage and insertion of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and 5 had curettage and autograft insertion. The 3 patients with ulnar lesions were treated with Darrach resections. There were no deaths, infections, metastases, or amputations. In addition to the 49 original surgeries, the patients required 41 additional surgical procedures, 17 of which were for recurrent disease. The greatest numbers of recurrences were in the patients who underwent curettage with autograft or PMMA implantation. Only 2 recurrences were in patients who had a marginal resection and implantation of cadaveric allografts. The overall results for the patients showed that many had mostly minor complaints referable to function or pain and that only 18 of the 49 patients were asymptomatic. Although the patients with distal forearm giant-cell tumors have had a difficult course in terms of local recurrence and subsequent surgeries required for treatment failures, the ultimate outcomes for both allograft transplantation and curettage and insertion of PMMA are satisfactory. The patients with complete distal radial allografts had a better record for prevention of recurrence than the patients treated with curettage and PMMA insertion but the percentages of currently asymptomatic patients are approximately the same for both series (40% [6/15], 35% [9/26]). These data support the concept that marginal resection and complete distal radial allograft implantation should be used for patients with tumors that have destroyed much of the bone and have extensive soft tissue components and that curettage and PMMA insertion should be reserved for patients where the structural alteration of the bone is minimal.