Reconstruction of the proximal humerus with tibial autografts after resection of osteochondroma in adolescents.

In a series of five adolescents with osteochondroma of the proximal humerus, resection of the tumor was followed by reconstruction with an autogeneic tibial bone graft. The indications for resection were pain, progressive swelling, and functional impairment. Bone grafting was a precautionary measure against stress fractures caused by the resection of cortical bone surrounding the tumor tissues. On the basis of follow-up examinations with an average of 61 months, the procedure is evaluated as safe and effective.