Outcome After Reconstruction of the Proximal Humerus for Tumor Resection: A Systematic Review

Background

Tumors of the appendicular skeleton commonly affect the proximal humerus, but there is no consensus regarding the best reconstructive technique after proximal humerus resection for tumors of the shoulder.

Questions/purposes

We wished to perform a systematic review to determine which surgical reconstruction offers the (1) best functional outcome as measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, (2) longest construct survival, and (3) lowest complication rate after proximal humerus resection for malignant or aggressive benign tumors of the shoulder.

Methods

We searched the literature up to June 1, 2013, from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Only studies reporting results in English, Dutch, or German and with followups of 80% or more of the patients at a minimum of 2 years were included. Twenty-nine studies with 693 patients met our criteria, seven studies (24%) were level of evidence III and the remainder were level IV. Studies reported on reconstruction with prostheses (n = 17), osteoarticular allografts (n = 10), and allograft-prosthesis composites (n = 11). Owing to substantial heterogeneity and bias, we narratively report our results.

Results

Functional scores in prosthesis studies ranged from 61% to 77% (10 studies, 141 patients), from 50% to 78% (eight studies, 84 patients) in osteoarticular graft studies, and from 57% to 91% (10 studies, 141 patients) in allograft-prosthesis composite studies. Implant survival ranged from 0.38 to 1.0 in the prosthesis group (341 patients), 0.33 to 1.0 in the osteoarticular allograft group (143 patients), and 0.33 to 1.0 in allograft-prosthesis group (132 patients). Overall complications per patient varied between 0.045 and 0.85 in the prosthesis group, 0 and 1.5 in the osteoarticular graft group, and 0.19 and 0.79 in the prosthesis-composite graft group. We observed a higher fracture rate for osteoarticular allografts, but other specific complication rates were similar.

Conclusions

Owing to the limitations of our systematic review, we found that allograft-prosthesis composites and prostheses seem to have similar functional outcome and survival rates, and both seem to avoid fractures that are observed with osteoarticular allografts. Further collaboration in the field of surgical oncology, using randomized controlled trials, is required to establish the superiority of any particular treatment.     

Complications and functional outcomes of reconstruction with an osteoarticular allograft after intra-articular resection of the proximal aspect of the humerus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome and the complications of reconstruction with an osteoarticular allograft in patients who had had intra-articular resection of the proximal aspect of the humerus. METHODS: Sixteen patients who had had intra-articular resection and reconstruction of the proximal aspect of the humerus for the treatment of a tumor between 1986 and 1996 were evaluated. The length of the resected part of the humerus ranged from eight to 27.5 centimeters. The resections were classified as either S34A or S345A resections of the shoulder girdle on the basis of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society classification system. Reconstruction was performed with use of a nonirradiated, frozen osteoarticular allograft with intact capsular and rotator cuff attachments. Dual orthogonal dynamic compression plates were used for internal fixation of the allograft to the host bone. The oncological parameters that were evaluated included survival of the patient, local recurrence, and metastasis. The radiographic parameters included time to union, stability of the joint, fracture of the allograft, and fragmentation of the epiphysis of the allograft (subchondral collapse). Survival of the graft was assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society evaluation system was used to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: At a median of forty-seven months (range, fourteen to 130 months) after the operation, fourteen of the patients in the study group were free of disease and two had died of disease. No patient had local recurrence or nonunion. Late complications included four fractures of the allograft and one infection of the graft. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a 68 percent rate of survival of the allograft at five years. Instability of the glenohumeral joint in the form of ptosis and anterior subluxation was noted in three patients, and dislocation of the glenohumeral joint was seen in eight patients. On the basis of the modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional evaluation, the mean score at the most recent follow-up evaluation (at a mean of thirty-four months) was 70 percent. This score was lower than the mean score of 81 percent at a mean of fourteen months. All patients had normal manual dexterity and had mild or no pain at the most recent follow-up evaluation. However, all had restriction of recreational activities or partial disability in addition to limitations with regard to placement of the hand and the ability to lift. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the proximal aspect of the humerus with an osteoarticular allograft is an option that provides good relief of pain and preserves manual dexterity. However, in our study, function was limited by impairment of elevation of the shoulder and hand as well as by decreased strength of the shoulder. There was an extremely high rate of complications, including joint instability, fracture of the allograft, and infection of the allograft. We no longer routinely perform this reconstruction at our institution.     

肩胛带骨肿瘤的外科治疗结果及评价

目的 探讨肩胛带骨肿瘤的手术切除方式、重建方法,观察术后功能恢复情况及临床结果.方法 回顾性分析1998年7月至2006年7月收治的71例肩胛骨周围骨肿瘤患者的病例资料,其中恶性肿瘤61例,骨巨细胞瘤10例.15例恶性肿瘤起源于肩胛骨,56例起源于肱骨近端.男42例,女29例;年龄11～62岁,平均36.5岁.手术方法:肩胛带离断术10例,单纯肩胛骨切除3例,肩胛骨切除、人工肩胛骨置换3例,部分肩胛骨及肱骨近端切除、假体置换8例,肱骨近端切除、假体置换47例.结果 10例骨巨细胞瘤患者肩周肌肉保留较好,术后MSTS功能评分平均28分.起源于肱骨近端的原发恶性骨肿瘤患者三角肌止点处均予以切除,术后肩外展30°～60°,MSTS功能评分平均23分.37例肱骨骨肉瘤患者中4例(10.8%)局部复发,2例骨转移,5例肺转移.7例转移患者均死亡.1例恶性骨巨细胞瘤患者出现肺转移死亡.3例尤文肉瘤患者出现肺转移死亡.5例肱骨及5例肩胛骨软骨肉瘤患者术后未见局部复发及转移.结论 肩胛带骨肿瘤切除、人工肱骨近端假体重建能保留完整肘部及手部功能、并发症少,是肩部恶性肿瘤的首选术式;肱骨近端骨肉瘤和下肢骨肉瘤比较预后较好;肱骨近端恶性肿瘤行关节内肿瘤切除和关节外肿瘤切除肿瘤的局部复发率接近,提示对多数肱骨近端恶性肿瘤可以采用关节内切除.     

Reconstruction of the proximal humerus after wide resection of tumours

In 45 patients we assessed the functional results and complications for three different reconstructive procedures after resection of primary tumours of the proximal humerus. An osteoarticular allograft was used in 11, a clavicula pro humero operation in 15 and a tumour prosthesis in 19. The glenoid was resected with the proximal humerus in 25 patients. The axillary nerve was resected in 42 patients. The complication rate was lowest after reconstruction with a tumour prosthesis. The clavicula pro humero operation resulted in the most revisions. Cumulative survival rates for all the reconstructive procedures were similar. At follow-up at two years the functional results for the three reconstructive procedures were the same with a mean functional rating of 79% (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society). Excision of the glenoid had no influence on the functional result. Our findings indicate that the use of a tumour prosthesis is the most reliable limb-salvage procedure for the proximal humerus. The clavicula pro humero is an appropriate procedure if a prosthesis cannot be used.     

复合骨移植修复骨肿瘤切除后大段骨关节缺损

目的 报道复合骨移植修复骨肿瘤切除后大段骨关节缺损的临床疗效。方法 2001年1月-2002年12月应用带监测皮岛的自体腓骨与大段同种异体深低温冷冻骨关节复合移植修复骨肿瘤切除后大段骨关节缺损10例。结果 10例均得到随访，随访时间5～24个月。移植的自体腓骨长度最长28cm，最短15cm。8例在术后3个月即有影像学骨性愈合，10例均于术后半年完全负重和邻近关节自由活动，术后超过1年的5例均已拆除内固定，术后1年均完全愈合。结论 带监测皮岛的自体腓骨与大段同种异体深低温冷冻骨关节复合移植是修复骨肿瘤切除后大段骨关节缺损的有效且可靠的方法，可用于骨肿瘤保肢术中。     

肱骨近端恶性肿瘤的保肢治疗

目的 探讨肱骨近端恶性肿瘤切除术后的重建方法。方法 36例肱骨近端恶性肿瘤,其中骨肉瘤 11例、软骨肉瘤 6例、皮质旁骨肉瘤及纤维肉瘤各 3例、原始神经外胚层瘤及恶性纤维组织细胞瘤各 2例、转移性骨肿瘤 5例、恶性骨巨细胞瘤 4例。骨肉瘤、原始神经外胚层瘤与恶性纤维组织细胞瘤患者均接受了新辅助化疗。肿瘤关节内切除 33例,关节外切除 3例。 21例采用异体半关节移植, 4例采用人工假体置换, 6例行游离锁骨移植, 5例行带骨膜血管蒂锁骨移植。结果 随访 6～ 118个月,平均 62.7个月。死亡 11例,局部复发 3例。按 Enneking功能评价标准, 21例采用异体半关节移植的患者,平均得分 24分; 4例人工假体置换的患者,平均得分 26分; 11例采用同侧锁骨重建肱骨近端的患者,平均得分 23分。结论 肱骨近端恶性肿瘤保肢手术的重建以人工假体置换和异体半关节移植为首选,儿童的保肢可选用同侧锁骨移植。保肢术后的功能与肩袖和肩外展肌的修复密切相关。     

The use of cement in osteoarticular allografts for proximal humeral bone tumors

In a proximal humerus resection for a bone tumor, the use of an osteoarticular allograft is considered the best restoration of shoulder function. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 31 patients who had an intraarticular resection of the proximal humerus for a bone tumor. Twenty-three of the allografts were filled with cement. The average followup was 5.3 years. Of the 31 patients with more than 24 months followup, seven had revision surgery or removal of the allograft. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the probability of survival of the reconstruction was 78% at 5 years. Fracture was the main complication in 11 patients (37%) of whom seven were in the noncemented group. Four of these patients had successful surgery for conversion to an allograft-prosthetic composite, whereas one patient had a new allograft. Allografts that were filled with cement had four fractures (18%); three were subchondral fractures discovered by routine CT scans. None of these patients had pain or needed revision surgery. Osteochondral allograft in proximal humerus replacement is a reliable reconstructive technique if the allograft is augmented by filling the intramedullary space with cement. Moreover, cement augmented allografts are less expensive and technically easier than allograft-prosthetic composites.     

上肢骨肿瘤切除后的自体骨移植重建

目的探讨应用自体骨移植对上肢骨肿瘤切除后的骨缺损修复重建的效果。方法1998年8月～2004年3月，收治上肢骨肿瘤切除后的骨缺损16例。男8例，女8例。年龄7～45岁。经病理确诊，肱骨近端尤文肉瘤和骨肉瘤各1例；肱骨远端尤文肉瘤2例；桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤8例，高分化软骨肉瘤2例，恶性纤维组织细胞瘤和骨肉瘤各1例。2例肱骨近端肿瘤行自体锁骨代肱骨；2例肱骨远端肿瘤行自体腓骨代肱骨；12例桡骨远端肿瘤中，1例行自体髂骨移植，11例行自体腓骨代桡骨进行重建。采用MSTS系统进行术后功能评价。结果2例肱骨近端自体锁骨移植患者分别随访36个月和12个月，术后保持部分肩关节前屈和后伸功能，但外展功能丧失；MSTS评分分别为23分和22分。2例肱骨远端自体腓骨移植患者分别随访4个月和6个月，肘关节功能良好，移植骨连接处已经出现骨愈合；MSTS功能评分分别为24分和19分。12例桡骨远端自体骨移植患者中11例随访6～75个月，功能良好，无明显并发症；1例髂骨植骨的桡骨远端骨巨细胞瘤术后3个月移植骨完全愈合，至今随访75个月，肿瘤无复发。MSTS功能评分18~27分，平均22．6分。结论自体骨移植在上肢骨肿瘤切除后骨缺损的重建，尤其是儿童的骨缺损重建中，是一种较好的方法。     

应用假体翻修大段异体骨保肢失败后的功能重建

目的探讨应用组合式假体翻修大段异体骨感染或骨折的疗效。方法回顾性研究了美国迈阿密大学医学院和中山大学附属第一医院骨肿瘤科共22例肩关节或膝关节周围肿瘤的患者,大段异体骨保肢失败后,应用肿瘤型假体重建肢体功能。最初诊断包括骨肉瘤11例、软骨肉瘤4例、恶性纤维组织细胞瘤3例、骨巨细胞瘤2例、恶性血管内皮瘤1例和鼻咽癌转移瘤1例。发病部位包括股骨远端15例、肱骨近端3例和胫骨近端4例。结果异体骨失败原因包括:骨折14例、感染6例、持久不愈合1例、合并骨折和感染1例。异体骨移植后平均随访154.2(63～293)个月,假体翻修后平均随访73.4(24～234)个月。90.9%(20/22)的患者最终肢体功能良好,MSTS功能评分为76.5%(60%～93.3%)。81.8%(18/22)的患者假体翻修手术成功,在翻修失败的患者中,1例肱骨近端肿瘤患者为了改善功能经历了多次翻修手术,另1例股骨远端的患者,异体骨移植失败假体翻修后,由于假体近端松动而进行二次翻修——全股骨置换术,另外2例股骨远端的患者翻修后合并感染和骨折而截肢。结论异体骨重建因骨折或感染失败后,再次行假体翻修重建肢体功能是可靠的,并发症较低。翻修技术会影响重建肢体的功能。对于异体骨感染的患者,建议分期翻修重建肢体功能。     

肩关节肿瘤切除和重建后的患肢功能观察

目的 肩关节肿瘤切除后,探讨不同重建方式的患肢长期功能。方法回顾性分析32例肩关节肿瘤保肢患者的临床资料。重建方式包括：8例一期肩关节融合,7例假体异体骨复合物,6例功能性间隔物,5例未行重建或悬吊术,3例假体,2例带血管蒂腓骨和1例异体骨。结果23例生存患者平均随访81个月。不同重建方式的功能评分分别为：一期肩关节融合为87％,主动运动优良,肩部有力;假体异体骨复合物为79％,间隔物为66％,未重建为85％,假体为60％和带血管蒂腓骨为73％。结论肩关节肿瘤的重建方式是根据切除范围和患者的实际需要来选择。如外展肌群无法重建,肩关节融合的功能良好,肩部有力;如果外展肌群可以重建,假体异体骨复合物功能较好。     

Functional recovery after a reverse prosthesis for reconstruction of the proximal humerus in tumor surgery

An alternative treatment for primary bone tumors of the proximal humerus was assessed. Four patients, who made full functional recovery after complete resection of the proximal humerus inclusive of the rotator cuff and subsequent reconstruction with a reverse shoulder prosthesis, were examined clinically and radiographically. Distinct medialization of the center of rotation of the glenohumeral joint (28 mm) and elongation of the remaining deltoid muscle (116%) were measured. Increased scapular rotation (118%) was observed. The radiologic results and thoracoscapular rhythm analyses were implemented in a three-dimensional computerized model of the glenohumeral joint. This allowed us to calculate a doubling of the moment of the deltoid abductor muscle in the true scapular plane. After tumor surgery, in which the proximal humerus is resected without reinserting the rotator cuff, full functional recovery of the shoulder can be obtained with a total shoulder prosthesis, medializing the glenohumeral center of rotation and elongating the remaining deltoid muscle. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series-no, or historical control group).     

Complex segmental elbow reconstruction after tumor resection

Twenty-three patients were reviewed retrospectively to determine their oncologic and functional outcomes after resection of 15 primary or eight metastatic tumors about the elbow between 1985 and 2000. The indications for resection were dictated by the histologic features of the tumor, location of the lesion, and extent of bone destruction. A total humeral reconstruction was done in 12 patients. Of this group, an endoprosthesis was used in seven patients and a total humeral allograft with a proximal humeral prosthesis and osteoarticular elbow reconstruction (allograft-prosthetic composite) was used in five patients. Eleven additional patients had a segmental total elbow replacement after resection of the distal humerus or proximal ulna. Local disease control was achieved in 17 patients (74%). Fourteen patients presented with (48%) or had (13%) distant metastasis develop, but only eight (35%) died of their disease. Periprosthetic lysis or allograft resorption was present in five patients (22%), and two (18%) humeral components of total elbow prostheses required revision for loosening. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 23 of 30 points (77%) in the 12 living patients followed up for a mean of 46 months (range, 24-124 months). It was 83% in patients with a segmental total elbow reconstruction and 71% in patients with a total humeral reconstruction. Aggressive limb salvage of the humerus or elbow or both provides a satisfactory functional outcome without jeopardizing overall survival.     

定制型肱骨近端假体结合人工补片重建肩关节的疗效分析

目的 探讨肱骨近端骨肿瘤保肢术中使用人工补片重建盂肱关节囊的手术方法及其对稳定肩关节、预防术后肱骨头脱位的效果.方法 2006年2月至2009年1月,回顾性分析接受定制型肱骨近端假体结合聚丙烯非降解性人工补片重建肩关节的患者12例,男7例,女5例;年龄21～55岁,平均38岁.肿瘤类型:骨巨细胞瘤9例,骨肉瘤1例,软骨肉瘤2例.9例骨巨细胞瘤患者中3例为Campanacci Ⅱ期,6例为Campanacci Ⅲ期;1例骨肉瘤患者为Enneking ⅡB期;2例软骨肉瘤患者均为Enneking Ⅱ A期.采用国际骨与软组织肿瘤协会(MSTS)功能评估标准评价术后肩关节功能.结果 患者均获得随访,随访时间24～52个月,平均35个月.手术出血量150～500 ml,平均254 ml;手术时间150～200 min,平均172 min.术后患者肩关节前屈20°～60°,平均41°;外展20°～70°,平均42°.MSTS评分为53%～77%,平均66%.术后无一例患者出现臂丛损伤、切口感染及假体脱位;随访期间无一例患者出现局部复发、远处转移或死亡.结论 使用聚丙烯非降解性人工补片重建盂肱关节囊可显著减少肱骨近端骨肿瘤保肢术后肱骨头假体脱位的发生,便于周围软组织的附着和长入.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the surgical technique,postoperative function and dislocation incidence of proximal humerus reconstruction with metallic endoprostheses and polypropylene knitted nonabsorbable mesh after proximal humeral tumor resection.Methods Twenty patients with proximal humeral tumor were retrospectively reviewed.They were performed proximal humerus reconstruction with proximal humeral prosthesis and polypropylene knitted non-absorbable mesh from February 2006 to January 2009.There were 5 women and 7 men with a mean age of 38 years(range,21-55 years)at the time of surgery,and giant cell tumor in 9 patients(including Campanacci Ⅱ for 3,Campanacci Ⅲ for 6),osteosarcoma in 1(Enneking ⅡB).and chondrosarcoma in 2 (Enneking ⅡA).The operative time,blood loss,and shoulder movement postoperation were analysed.According to the assessment system by MSTS,the function of limb after surgery was assessed.Results Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 24 months (mean,35 months;range,24-52 months).The mean operative time was 172 min(range,150-200min).The mean blood loss was 254 ml (range,150-500 ml).There were no shoulder dislocations at final follow-up.The mean shoulder flexion was 41°(range,20°-60°)and mean shoulder abduction was 42°(range,20°-70°).The mean postoperative functional assessment score of the limb was 66%(range,53%-77%).None of the Datients had a wound infection,traction neuropraxia or died after the surgical procedure.Conclnsion The data suggests that the use of a polypropylene knitted non-absorbable mesh for proximal humerus reconstruction may reduce dislocations and facilitate soft tissue attachment after tumor resection.     

Proximal humerus reconstruction after tumour resection: biological versus endoprosthetic reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome, complications and survival of the three most commonly used surgical reconstructions of the proximal humerus after transarticular tumour resection. Between 1985 and 2005, 38 consecutive proximal humeral reconstructions using allograft-prosthesis composite (n = 10), osteoarticular allograft (n = 13) or a modular tumour prosthesis (n = 14) were performed in our clinic. The mean follow-up was ten years (1–25). Of these, 27 were disease free at latest follow-up (mean 16.8 years) and ten had died of disease. The endoprosthetic group presented the smallest complication rate of 21% (n = 1), compared to 40% (n = 4) in the allograft-prosthesis composite and 62% (n = 8) in the osteoarticular allograft group. Only one revision was performed in the endoprosthetic group, in a case of shoulder instability. Infection after revision (n = 3), pseudoarthrosis (n = 2), fracture of the allograft (n = 3) and shoulder instability (n = 4) were the major complications of allograft use in general. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly better implant survival for the endoprosthetic group (log-rank p = 0.002). At final follow-up the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society scores were an average of 72% for the allograft-prosthetic composite (n = 7, median follow-up 17 years), 76% for the osteoarticular allograft (n = 3, 19 years) and 77% for the endoprosthetic reconstruction (n = 10, 5 years) groups. An endoprosthetic reconstruction after transarticular proximal humeral resection resulted in the lowest complication rate, highest implant survival and comparable functional results when compared to allograft-prosthesis composite and osteoarticular allograft use. We believe that the surgical approach that best preserves the abductor mechanism and provides sufficient surgical exposure for tumour resection contributed to better functional results and glenohumeral stability in the endoprosthetic group.     

肿瘤型人工关节重建下肢骨肉瘤切除后的骨缺损

目的总结应用肿瘤型人工关节重建下肢骨肉瘤切除后骨缺损的效果及并发症。方法1997年7月~2004年7月共对167例下肢骨肉瘤实施广泛性切除后人工假体重建保肢术,100例获得随访。其中男56例,女44例。年龄13~57岁。股骨近端5例,股骨远端57例,胫骨近端38例。Enneking分期A期3例,B期85例,期12例。使用国产假体71例,进口假体29例。17例患者采用灭活肿瘤骨结合人工假体复合重建缺损,21例采用异体骨人工关节复合体,余62例采用人工假体进行重建。所有成骨肉瘤患者术前均行1~2个疗程规范化疗,术后3~5个疗程化疗。术后采用MSTS保肢评分系统对随访患者进行功能评价。结果所有患者获随访1~8年,中位随访时间3.5年。人工关节3年生存率为81.8%,5年生存率为65%。6例假体折断,13例假体迟发性感染,2例假体松动,5例移植物与宿主骨接合处不愈合,2例异体骨吸收,2例假体下沉,1例骨折。7例于术后6个月~2年内肿瘤局部复发,其中软组织肿瘤复发4例,接受肿瘤再切除治疗;另3例接受截肢手术。患者MSTS评分平均为23.30±5.17。肢体功能优62例,良27例,中7例,差4例,优良率为89%。结论与其他保肢重建方法比较,肿瘤型人工关节能保留最好的关节功能。但并发症发生率仍较高,人工关节的设计及加工有待于进一步改进。     

The effect of cement augmentation and anteromedial plating on proximal humerus allograft reconstruction

Background

Limb salvage following the resection of tumor from the proximal part of the humerus, poses many challenges, and there is no consensus regarding the best reconstructive technique after proximal humerus resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anteromedial placing of the plate in the absence of deltoid muscle and cement augmentation on the functional outcome, complication rate and survival of proximal humerus allograft reconstruction.

Reconstruction for defects of the proximal part of the femur using allograft arthroplasty

One of the most difficult problems in orthopaedic oncology is reconstruction after resection of a tumor of the proximal end of the femur. In order to achieve a wide margin about a primary or secondary malignant neoplasm of bone, it is often necessary to resect not only the hip joint and fifteen or more centimeters of the proximal part of the femur, but also the surrounding envelope of soft tissue. In some patients, little is left but the sciatic and femoral nerves and vessels. Since 1971, we have done reconstructions in forty-four patients, using an allograft and an implant or else an osteoarticular graft alone to replace the proximal end of the femur. Twenty-eight of these reconstructions were performed in patients who had had a malignant tumor and were followed for two to fifteen years postoperatively. Fifteen of the patients had only an osteoarticular graft, and thirteen had an allograft and a prosthesis (nine Austin Moore, two bipolar, and two long-stem total hip replacements). The average length of the femoral segment was 18.4 centimeters; the longest one measured thirty-one centimeters. Using an evaluation system of functional end-results that includes failures as a result of recurrence of the tumor, we recorded approximately 70 per cent excellent and good results for both groups. When the two failures that were due to recurrence of the tumor were omitted from the statistics (in order to evaluate the allograft procedure more fully), the successful results increased to about 80 per cent. In general, the patients who had an osteoarticular reconstruction fared less well than did those who had an allograft and a prosthesis, but the series were not quite comparable. The major complications were metastases in nine patients (five of whom died), infection in five, and fracture of the allograft in six. Restoration of the reconstruction was possible for most of the patients who had a problem that was not related to the tumor, and only one patient required an amputation for recurrent tumor. Despite the many difficulties, we think that an allograft, with or without a prosthetic implant, should be given primary consideration as a means of reconstruction of the limb when resection of a tumor necessitates resection of a long segment of the proximal end of the femur.     

Synthetic Mesh Improves Shoulder Function After Intraarticular Resection and Prosthetic Replacement of Proximal Humerus

BackgroundShoulder function often is limited after tumor resection and endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. This is partly attributable to the inability to reliably reattach rotator cuff tendons to the prosthesis and achieve adequate shoulder capsule repair with a metallic prosthesis. An option to attain these goals is to use synthetic mesh for the reconstruction, although the value of this method has not been well documented in the literature.Questions/purposesWe asked whether patients who had shoulder reconstruction using synthetic mesh had (1) better shoulder function; (2) improved ROM compared with shoulder reconstructions without mesh; and (3) more stable joints compared with those in patients with similar resections who had reconstructions without synthetic mesh.MethodsDuring a 5-year period, we performed 41 intraarticular resections with endoprosthetic reconstructions for malignancies in the proximal humerus meeting specified criteria to generate similarity in the study groups. Twelve patients (29%) were lost to followup before 24 months, leaving 29 patients available for review at a mean of 45 months (range, 24–70 months). This retrospective study compared 14 patients with soft tissue reconstruction that included synthetic mesh with 15 patients with soft tissue reconstruction without the use of synthetic mesh. The choice was made during consultation between the patient and surgeon, after reviewing the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each approach. A tumor band (ligament advanced reinforcement system) was used as synthetic mesh and wrapped around the prosthesis of the proximal humerus for soft tissue reconstruction in the reconstruction-with-mesh group. Study endpoints included the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) function scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, shoulder ROM, and proximal migration of the humeral prosthesis.ResultsThe mean MSTS score for patients without synthetic mesh reconstruction was 20 ± 3 points (66%), whereas for patients with synthetic mesh reconstruction, the mean score was 24 ± 2 points (79%; p = 0.001). Patients with synthetic mesh reconstruction had a higher mean total ASES score (85 ± 1.1 points versus 72 ±1.7 points; p = 0.025), and better function for activities of daily living. They also had better ROM on mean active forward flexion (p = 0.020), abduction (p < 0.001), and external rotation (p < 0.001) than patients without synthetic mesh reconstruction. Proximal migration of the prosthesis was observed in five of 15 of patients in the group without synthetic mesh reconstruction and in none of those treated with synthetic mesh (p = 0.042).ConclusionsPatients with intraarticular resection and endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus with reconstruction that included synthetic mesh had better shoulder function and ROM, and more stable joints than patients who had reconstruction without synthetic mesh. This result supports prior observations by others and it remains to be shown whether use of the ligament advanced reconstruction system is superior to other types of mesh or other types of reconstructions. Further investigation is needed but our results indicate that using mesh should be considered for patients with tumor resection and endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

Proximal humeral resection and reconstruction

Resection of the proximal humerus may be required for control of benign, primary malignant, or metastatic neoplasms. The defect created by such a resection may spare the shoulder cuff muscles and deltoid (Malawer type IA) or remove them (Malawer type IB). Reconstruction of these defects and restoration of some degree of shoulder function may be accomplished by a variety of techniques. A technique of reconstruction with a composite allograft and endoprosthesis for type IA resections and the use of a proximal humeral prosthesis for type IB resections are described, and alternative methods are discussed.