The treatment of localized metastases in the proximal humerus from renal cell carcinoma

Four cases of a localized metastatic renal cell carcinoma within the proximal humerus are reviewed. In three of these cases radiation therapy resulted in relief of bone pain but did not control progression of the secondary tumor. In one case palliative radiation treatment combined with intramedullary nailing resulted in the total destruction of the whole humerus by secondary tumor during the 10-month period before the patient died. In the other three cases aggressive surgical treatment was performed. This treatment consisted of an en bloc resection of the proximal humerus, with reconstruction of the proximal humerus with a long-stem Neer humeral head replacement prosthesis. To obtain a good functional result, the soft tissues were reconstructed onto on intercalary allograft in one case; artificial rotator cuffs were used in two cases. After a mean follow-up period of 20 months, all three patients who underwent aggressive treatment hod painless shoulders, with fair function and no recurrence of carcinoma. En bloc resection with reconstruction of the proximal humerus is on effective method of avoiding limb oblation and contrailing painful solitary lesions from metastatic renal cell carcinoma.     

Impaction grafting in revision total elbow arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Revision total elbow arthroplasty is often undertaken in patients who have severe osteolysis of both the distal part of the humerus and the proximal part of the ulna. To deal with such bone loss, we have adopted the practice of impaction grafting, which has become a well-established technique in the proximal part of the femur. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of twelve patients who had undergone revision total elbow arthroplasty with impaction grafting between 1993 and 1997. There were eight women and four men with a mean age of fifty-seven years. All patients were followed for at least two years (range, twenty-five to 113 months), with an average duration of follow-up of seventy-two months. Seven of the patients had an initial diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and five had posttraumatic arthritis. Impaction grafting was undertaken during the initial revision in three of the patients, whereas the remaining nine patients had undergone at least one prior revision without impaction grafting. Four patients had impaction grafting on the ulnar side alone, six had it on the humeral side alone, and two underwent impaction grafting of both the humerus and the ulna. Six allograft struts were placed to span structural defects in five patients. RESULTS: At the time of the latest follow-up, eight of the elbow prostheses were intact after the index impaction grafting procedure. Two elbows had been revised because of loosening, and another had been revised because of a fracture of the ulnar component. A fourth patient had undergone a resection arthroplasty because of infection. The eight remaining patients demonstrated marked radiographic improvement in bone quality in the region of the impaction graft without clinical symptoms of loosening. At the time of the last follow-up, after an additional revision in three elbows, there were five excellent, four good, and three fair results. CONCLUSIONS: Impaction grafting is a reliable technique for treating osteolysis in patients undergoing revision total elbow arthroplasty; however, complications can occur, and a high percentage of patients need additional surgery.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

Proximal humeral reconstruction using nail cement spacer in primary and metastatic tumours of proximal humerus

Limb salvage surgery for malignant tumours of proximal humerus is an operative challenge, where the surgeon has to preserve elbow and hand functions and retain shoulder stability with as much function as possible. We treated 14 consecutive patients with primary malignant or isolated metastasis of proximal humerus with surgical resection and reconstruction by nail cement spacer. There were 8 females and 6 males, with a mean age of 28.92 years (range 16–51 years) and a mean follow-up of 30.14 months (range 12–52 months). The diagnosis was osteosarcoma in 8 patients, chondrosarcoma in 4 patients and metastasis from thyroid and breast carcinoma in 1 patient each. One of our patients had radial nerve neuropraxia, 1 developed inferior subluxation and 3 developed distant metastasis. Two patients died of disease and one developed local recurrence leading to forequarter amputation, leaving a total of 11 patients with functional extremities for assessment at the time of final follow-up which was done using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score. Though we were able to preserve the elbow, wrist and hand functions in all patients, the abductor mechanism, deltoid muscle and axillary nerve were not salvageable in any of cases. The mean MSTS score at the time of final follow-up was 19.09. Thus, proximal humeral reconstruction using nail cement spacer is a technical simple, cost-effective and reproducible procedure which makes it a reliable option in subset of patients where the functions around the shoulder cannot be preserved despite costlier prosthesis.     

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。     

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.     

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。     

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.     

冷冻异体骨移植治疗肢体骨巨细胞瘤骨缺损77例临床报告

目的评价应用异体骨重建原发骨巨细胞瘤切除后骨缺损的肢体功能及并发症的发生情况。方法对1992年至2002年进行外科治疗、有完整随访资料的77例骨巨细胞瘤进行回顾分析。外科治疗依据Enneking外科分期原则,进行了肿瘤切除、异体骨重建。采用Mankin评分方法进行功能评定。结果平均随访时间35.3个月。76例患者存活,1例死亡。局部复发率14.1％,肺转移率5.1％,骨不愈合14.1％,关节不稳定9％,内固定折断、感染率及骨折均为6.4％。治疗满意率83.2％,最终保肢率98.7％。结论采用深低温保存异体骨进行骨巨细胞瘤切除后骨缺损的修复重建是一种有效方法;同时,异体骨移植也是一种有较高并发症发生率的重建方法,降低并发症可提高肢体功能;肿瘤复发是影响治疗满意率的主要影响因素,恰当的外科边界是治疗骨巨细胞瘤的关键。     

Reconstruction after intercalary resection of malignant bone tumours: comparison between segmental allograft and extracorporeally-irradiated autograft

We reviewed 29 patients who had undergone intercalary resection for malignant tumours. Of these, 14 had received segmental allograft reconstruction and 15 extracorporeally-irradiated autograft. At a mean follow-up of 71 months (24 to 132), 20 were free from disease, five had died and four were alive with pulmonary metastases. Two patients, one with an allograft and one with an irradiated autograft, had a local recurrence. Reconstruction with extracorporeally-irradiated autograft has a significantly lower rate of nonunion (7% vs 43%, p = 0.031) but an insignificantly higher rate of fracture (20% vs 14%, p = 0.535) than that with segmental allograft. Using the Enneking functional evaluation system, the mean postoperative score for the patients without local recurrence was 87% (80% to 96%) and was similar in both groups. Extracorporeally-irradiated autograft could be an acceptable alternative for reconstruction after intercalary resection, especially in countries where it is difficult to obtain allografts.     

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。     

肩关节置换术中肱骨假体低置的疗效分析

目的探讨肱骨假体低置在肩关节置换术患者中的疗效。方法对12例肱骨近端三、四部骨折的老年患者行半肩关节置换术治疗,术中采用假体低置使肱骨大结节与肱骨近端重叠方式固定,并对其进行5～36个月随访,参照美国肩肘关节医师学会肩关节评分系统（ASES）进行功能评分。结果 12例患者均无明显疼痛,无肩关节脱位或不稳的情况出现,患肩上举、内旋、外旋、外展活动总体满意。ASES功能评分平均为81分,评定为满意。结论肱骨假体低置对肩关节置换术患者的早期功能及稳定性影响不大。     

Periprosthetic humeral fractures after total elbow arthroplasty: treatment with implant revision and strut allograft augmentation

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures are among the most challenging complications of elbow arthroplasty, and published information about the outcome of treatment is limited. The purpose of the present study was to determine the results of implant revision and strut allograft augmentation for the treatment of humeral periprosthetic fractures that occur around a loose humeral component. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1999, eleven periprosthetic fractures that occurred around a loose humeral component were treated with cortical strut allograft augmentation and revision arthroplasty with use of a Coonrad-Morrey semiconstrained implant. Six fractures occurred after a primary arthroplasty, and five occurred after a revision arthroplasty. Two parallel strut grafts were used for fracture fixation in most cases. Patients were followed for an average of three years (range, nine months to 7.8 years) and were evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic fracture union was obtained in ten of the eleven patients. One patient required revision surgery because of aseptic loosening of the humeral component seven years and nine months after fracture union; there were no other implant failures. Complications included one additional nondisplaced humeral periprosthetic fracture after surgery that failed to heal with closed treatment, one olecranon fracture, one permanent ulnar nerve injury, and one case of triceps insufficiency. At the time of the most recent follow-up, seven of the eight patients with an intact reconstruction had a functional arc of motion and no or slight pain and one had limited motion and moderate pain. CONCLUSIONS: Periprosthetic humeral fractures that are associated with a loose humeral component can be effectively treated with revision elbow arthroplasty and strut allograft augmentation. The technique is associated with a high rate of fracture union, implant survival, and satisfactory clinical results. However, the complication rate is substantial.