OBJECTIVE

To analyze the long-term limb sparing outcomes of various reconstructive procedures and complications associated with extensive excision in bone tumours of the shoulder girdle.

METHODS

Shoulder reconstruction following resection of bone tumors of the shoulder girdle was reviewed retrospectively for 32 patients at the Wesley Hospital or Princess Alexandra Hospital. The reconstructions were including arthrodesis (8 cases), allograft-prosthetic composite (7 cases), spacer (6 cases), no bone reconstruction (5 cases), prosthesis (3 cases), vascular fibular graft (2 cases) and allograft (1 case).

RESULTS

The average duration of follow-up was 81 months for the 23 patients who were still alive at the time of the latest follow-up examination. Functional results were related to the type of resection and the method of shoulder reconstruction. After intra-articular resection of the proximal humerus with loss of the abductor mechanism, arthrodesis resulted in 87% functional score and more strength was found after reconstruction with prosthesis or allograft-prosthetic composite. Allograft-prosthetic composite had better function (Score 79%) than prosthesis alone after intra-articular resection of the humerus because reconstruction of the deltoid and the rotator cuff could be performed without increased prevalence of complication related to the allograft. After extra-articular resection of the glenoid cavity and the proximal humerus with abductor mechanism, reconstruction with a functional spacer frequently resulted in superior subluxation of the implant and only fair function (Score 66%) of the shoulder. With two teen-aged patients, a free fibular graft inserted after intra-articular resection of the proximal humerus led to fair function (Score 73%), to be followed by secondary arthrodesis when growth was complete.

CONCLUSIONS

Indications for the method of reconstruction depend on type of resection, age, gender, occupation, the expected functional level and restriction of activity. After resection of the abductor mechanism, arthrodesis results in more strength and is the preferred option for the young active demanding patients. If the abductor mechanism is preserved, allograft-prosthetic composite gives good results.