Functional outcomes and complications of reconstruction of the proximal humerus after intra‐articular tumor resection

Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes and complications of reconstruction of the proximal humerus after intra‐articular tumor resection. Methods: Twenty‐five patients who underwent Malawer I type resection and reconstruction of the proximal humerus for treatment of malignant or invasive benign tumors from August 1999 to August 2005 were evaluated. A variety of reconstructive procedures, including modular tumor prosthesis, osteoarticular allograft, and allograft‐prosthetic composite (APC), were performed after resection of tumor. Oncological and radiographic parameters were evaluated. The modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) evaluation system was used to assess limb functional outcome. Results: The study group consisted of 10 male and 15 female patients, among which there were 20 malignant and 5 benign tumors. Restoration of shoulder function was achieved with a prosthesis in 6 patients, osteoarticular allograft in 12, and allograft‐prosthesis composite in 7. At a mean of 48 months follow‐up, 2 patients had died of disease. Two patients had local recurrence and 2 had metastatic disease. On the basis of the modified MSTS functional evaluation, the mean scores were 22.50 in the modular prosthesis group, 24.58 in the osteoarticular allograft group, and 27.00 in APC group, respectively. Joint instability and subluxation were serious complications affecting shoulder function in 10 patients. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the proximal humerus is an option that provides good relief of pain and preserves manual dexterity. Functional outcomes are better for APC and allograft than for modular prosthesis, due to retention of the rotation cuff. Complications in the APC group were less than in the allograft one.     

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.     

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.     

Survivorship and radiographic analysis of knee osteoarticular allografts

An evaluation of long-term survival and radiographic deterioration of 118 knee osteoarticular allografts in 114 patients was performed. Radiographic analysis was done according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society grading system. A failure was defined as when the allograft was removed during a revision procedure or amputation. Ten patients were lost to followup during the first 2 years after surgery. Eighteen patients without allograft failures died of complications related to the tumor. Twenty-six allografts failed because of infection (13 allografts), local recurrence (eight allografts), massive resorptions (three allografts) and fractures (two allografts). Sixty-four allografts still were in place at a mean of 98 months (range, 36-360 months) after implantation. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival rate for the knee osteoarticular allografts was 73% and the limb preservation rate was 93%. The mean radiographic score was 83%. Sixty-four percent of the allografts showed no radiologic changes or minor articular deterioration. Fourteen percent had narrowing of the joint space of more than 2 mm, and 22% had some form of subchondral bone collapse. Five patients required joint resurfacing to preserve the original allograft. Most of the allograft failures occurred during the first 4 years, and the allograft survival rate for the current series remained unchanged after 5 years.     

Unicondylar osteoarticular allografts of the knee

BACKGROUND: In the management of a resected distal femoral or proximal tibial condyle as the result of tumor or trauma, a unicondylar osteoarticular allograft is currently the only reconstructive option that avoids the sacrifice of the unaffected condyle. The purposes of this study were to perform a survival analysis of unicondylar osteoarticular allografts of the knee and to evaluate the complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of forty large unicondylar osteoarticular allograft procedures in thirty-eight patients who were followed for a mean of eleven years. Twenty-nine allografts were femoral transplants and included eleven medial and eighteen lateral femoral condyles. Eleven allografts were tibial transplants, including four medial and seven lateral tibial condyles. The procedure was performed after a tumor resection in thirty-six patients and to replace condylar loss after a severe open fracture in the remaining two patients. Complications were analyzed, and allograft survival from the date of implantation to the date of revision or the time of the latest follow-up was determined. Functional and radiographic results were documented according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system at the time of the latest follow-up. RESULTS: One patient died of tumor-related causes without allograft failure before the two-year follow-up evaluation. The global rate of allograft survival at both five and ten years was 85%, with a mean follow-up of 148 months. In six patients, the allografts were removed at an average of twenty-six months (range, six to forty-eight months) and these were considered failures. All six patients underwent a second allograft procedure including two new unicondylar and four bicondylar reconstructions. The mean radiographic score for the thirty-three surviving allografts evaluated was 89%, with an average functional score of 27 of a possible 30 points. CONCLUSIONS: Unicondylar osteoarticular allografts of the knee appear to be a reliable alternative for patients in whom reconstruction of massive osteoarticular bone loss is limited to one condyle of the femur or the tibia.     

肩胛带区骨肿瘤的保肢治疗

目的探讨肩胛带区骨肿瘤的保肢手术方法及相关的临床效果。方法35例肩胛带骨肿瘤患者,男24例,女11例,平均年龄34岁(12～74岁)。肿瘤部位:肱骨上段21例,肩胛骨12例,锁骨2例;肿瘤类型:骨肉瘤10例,软骨肉瘤7例,恶性纤维组织细胞瘤3例,尤文肉瘤3例,纤维肉瘤1例,骨髓瘤1例,骨巨细胞瘤7例,转移瘤3例。按照Malawer等提出的手术分类方法进行分类。保肢手术方法:肿瘤假体置换8例,瘤段骨灭活回植4例,异体骨关节移植3例,自体腓骨移植2例,髓针骨水泥假体置换1例,Tikhoff-Linberg手术3例,瘤段肢体切除、上肢短缩再植2例,全肩胛骨或关节盂切除、肱骨头悬吊4例,部分肩胛骨切除6例,锁骨瘤段切除2例,其中16例作了化疗。结果本组患者平均随访71个月(6～186个月),局部复发4例,远处转移6例,死亡9例,无瘤存活22例。按MSTS上肢功能评分标准,35例患者上肢功能评分平均为77%(40%～100%),上肢功能与手术切除范围密切相关。并发症:切口感染裂开4例,移植骨骨折2例,暂时性桡神经麻痹2例,肩关节半脱位3例。结论肩胛带区骨肿瘤的治疗应根据患者情况、肿瘤类型及侵袭范围等因素决定切除范围并选择应用肿瘤假体置换、自体或异体骨关节移植、瘤段骨骨灭活回植及Tikhoff-Linberg手术等重建方法,可以达到控制肿瘤、稳定无痛的肩关节重建和保留良好的肘部与手部功能的目的。     

Survival of 25 osteoarticular allografts followed more than 10 years

An evaluation of the long-term survival rate of 25 osteoarticular allografts was made. Clinical analysis was based on the Mankin scale and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) Grading system. After a mean follow-up time of 15 years 76% of the osteoarticular allografts had good or excellent rating. The MSTS scale revealed a mean score of 89% for those 20 grafts still functioning according to their primary purpose. Allograft related complications occurred in 32% of the cases being most common among malignant cases. Due to the rather good long-term results, osteoarticular allografts can still be recommended for hemicondylar allograft reconstruction in benign lesions.     

Implant cement spacer-a cost-effective solution for reconstruction of proximal humerus defects after tumor resection

The proximal humerus is a common location for both primary benign and malignant bone tumors and may require sacrificing deltoid muscles, axillary nerve and/or rotator cuff along with proximal humerus resection. Thus, post operatively shoulder movements are restricted. The main goals of reconstruction are to maintain a stable shoulder so that the function of elbow and hand can be optimized. Various reconstruction options are available after proximal humerus resection. We present our experience in using implant-cement spacers as a primary reconstruction option for limb salvage in the primary tumors of proximal humerus. All cases were retrieved from our prospectively maintained surgical database. 142 patients (96 males and 46 females) with a median age of 17.5 years (3–70 years) were operated with implant cement spacer between January 2006 and April 2019. Median follow up was 34 months (1–174 months). Functional outcome of the surgery was assessed in survivors by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS). Implant survival was assessed by Kaplan Meier analysis and competing risk analysis. On last follow up, out of 142 cases, 81 patients had died, 54 are alive and seven were lost to follow up. 18(13%) patients underwent revision surgery for symptomatic proximal migration, implant failure or infection. Four (2.8%) patients underwent forequarter amputation for local recurrence. The five years implant survival (IS) by Kaplan Meier analysis was 79.6% and as per competing risk analysis, the chances of implant revision are 12% and 18% at five and ten years respectively. Mean MSTS score in survivors was 71% (60–80%). Implant cement spacer is a cost-effective alternative for reconstruction of proximal humerus with revision rates and function comparable to other reconstructions in cases where deltoid, axillary nerve and/or rotator cuff are excised.     

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.     

A successful reconstruction using a frozen autograft and a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap after a S12345B shoulder girdle resection in a patient with osteosarcoma

We present a case of high-grade osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus in an 8-year-old boy. Massive tumor expansion required a S12345B shoulder girdle resection according to the system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society. After wide resection, only a small portion of the distal humerus and none of the rotator cuff muscles would be spared. Because the humeral portion would be too short to support the stem and the soft tissue would be insufficient to cover prosthetic components, we designed a composite reconstruction using a frozen autograft and a pedicled muscle flap. At 2 years postoperatively, our patient exhibited good adaptation and had acquired fine dexterity of the upper limb. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding a successful composite reconstruction after a S12345B shoulder girdle resection.     

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.     

Limb sparing surgery for bone tumours of the shoulder girdle: the oncological and functional results

It is a great challenge to spare the upper limb with a malignant or invasive benign bone tumour of the shoulder girdle. We retrospectively analysed 35 patients with bone tumours of the shoulder girdle treated with various limb salvage procedures. The tumours included 25 primary malignancies, three metastases and seven giant cell tumours which involved the proximal humerus in 21 patients, scapula in 12 and clavicle in two. The reconstruction procedures included eight prosthetic replacements, four devitalised tumorous bone grafts, three osteoarticular allografts, two autogenous fibular grafts, one intramedullary cemented nail, three Tikhoff-Linberg procedures, two replantation of shortened arms, and four humeral head suspensions. Six partial scapulectomies and two lateral clavicectomies needed no bone reconstruction. With an average follow-up of 71 months, local recurrences occurred in four cases and systemic metastases in six. Nine patients died and 23 remained disease free. The five year Kaplan-Meier survival rate of 28 patients with malignancies was 69.5%. The average Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional score was 77% (range 40–100%) in all patients.     

Limb salvage using original low heat-treated tumor-bearing bone

Limb salvage, using original low heat-treated tumor-bearing bone and a conventional joint prosthesis, was done in six patients with malignant tumors of the proximal humerus (one patient with chondrosarcoma and five patients with osteosarcoma) and in six patients with tumor of the proximal femur (two patients with malignant spindle cell sarcoma and four patients with osteosarcoma). Wide excision of the lesion was done and the tumor and surrounding soft tissues were removed. The excised bone was treated with heat and the prosthesis was inserted into the treated bone and fixed with cement. This construct was reinserted into the original site and anchored to the host bone with a plate. The overall union rate of the low heat-treated bone with normal host bone was 91.7%, and the mean union time was 4.6 months (range, 3-7 months) after surgery. The functional result of the proximal femur and proximal humerus were 76.7% and 56.8%, respectively, using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional evaluation system. Complications included hip dislocation in one patient, fracture of the low heat-treated bone in two patients, and absorption of the low heat-treated bone of the humerus in four of six patients. The 5-year survival rate of the low heat-treated tumor-bearing bone was 83.3% using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Based on the results of this study, limb salvage using original low heat-treated tumor-bearing bone seems to be effective in treating primary bone sarcoma with high survival and acceptable complication rates, circumventing the complications of allograft bone.     

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。     

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.     

Tikhoff-Linberg procedure for bone and soft tissue tumors of the shoulder girdle

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications and the oncological and intermediate-term functional results in patients with bone and soft tissue tumors of the shoulder girdle who were managed with interscapulothoracic resection (Tikhoff-Linberg procedure). DESIGN: Case series of 19 consecutive patients during a 10-year period at a mean follow-up of 6.3 years (range, 1-11 years). SETTING: University hospital; referral center for musculoskeletal tumor surgery. PATIENTS: The initial diagnosis in this consecutive series of patients with shoulder girdle tumors requiring the Tikhoff-Linberg procedure was chondrosarcoma in 7 patients, Ewing sarcoma in 3 patients, malignant fibrous histiocytoma in 3 patients, solitary metastasis of thyroid carcinoma in 2 patients, osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, angiosarcoma, ancd neurofibrosarcoma in 1 patient each. According to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system, there were 6 in surgical stage IB, 10 in stage IIB, and 3 in stage III. Nine tumors involved the proximal humerus, 8 were located in the scapula or surrounding soft tissues, 1 in the lateral clavicle, and 1 in the acromioclavicular joint. INTERVENTIONS: For reconstruction of the proximal humerus after en bloc tumor resection an isoelastic cemented shoulder tumor prosthesis was inserted in every patient to restore arm length. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications, and oncological and intermediate-term functional results. RESULTS: Twelve patients were alive with no evidence of disease. One of these patients died of nontumorous disease 2 years after surgery. One patient is alive with pulmonary metastases after 12 months. Six patients died of metastases at a mean (SD) interval of 18 months (range, 3-35 months) postoperatively. Two of these patients had additional local recurrence. A deep infection necessitated the explantation of the prosthesis in 1 patient. The mean functional score and SD according to the rating system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society was 72%+/-14% (range, 33%-87%) for the 12 surviving patients evaluated. Major complications (1 infection and 2 local recurrences) that may be attributed to the procedure occurred in 3 of the 19 patients. CONCLUSION: Despite an overall complication rate of 74% the Tikhoff-Linberg procedure proved to be a valuable surgical procedure for extended tumors of the shoulder girdle for functional and oncological outcome and is superior to forequarter amputation.     

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。     

冷冻异体骨移植治疗骨肿瘤切除后骨缺损

目的探讨冷冻异体骨移植在治疗骨肿瘤切除后骨缺损中的作用。方法1992年3月至2002年9月应用深低温保存同种异体骨治疗骨肿瘤切除后骨缺损164例患者,其中男性90例,女性74例,年龄12～65岁,平均20岁。疾病种类以骨巨细胞瘤和骨肉瘤为主。外科治疗以Enneking外科分期标准为原则。主要发病部位为股骨上端、股骨下端、胫骨上端及胫骨上端及肱骨上端。异体骨均为北京骨科创伤研究所骨库提供。重建方式为1／2关节移植术95例,1／4关节移植术15例,人工关节．异体骨复合物12例,大块骨移植23例,骨干节段移植15例,骨盆骨移植4例。结果所有患者均获得随访,平均随访时间47个月。治疗满意率74．4％（122／164）,复发率12．8％（21／164）,感染率11．0％（18／164）,骨端不愈合23．2％（38／164）,内固定折断6．7％（11／164）,关节不稳定7．9％（13／164）,异体骨骨折6．7％（11／164）,死亡6．1％（10／164）,最终保肢率91．5％（150／164）。结论深低温保存异体骨降低了异体骨的免疫原性,具有与自体骨近似的骨传导性及骨诱导性,可保留韧带附丽以供软组织重建应用。但异体骨移植具有较高并发症,只有在移植骨与宿主完全愈合后,方可发挥作用。