[Complication management following resection and reconstruction of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle]

Prosthetic Reconstruction of the Shoulder After Resection of Proximal Humerus Bone Tumor

Prosthetic reconstruction after wide resection of tumors of the proximal humerus presents a unique challenge. The shoulder is a complex articulation, and patients have high expectations for postoperative function. The goal of this study is to compare functional outcomes, oncologic outcomes, and complication rates for 2 reconstructive methods. Forty patients with proximal humeral tumors were reviewed retrospectively. Proximal humeral endoprosthesis (PHE) was used for 21 patients, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was used for 19 patients. Clinical results, oncologic outcomes, and complication rates were assessed. The functional outcomes of the patients were assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system (MSTS), the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and shoulder range of motion. The mean follow-up was 62±15 months. Shoulder dislocations occurred among 8 patients with PHE and 1 patient with RSA (P=.021). The other complication rates were similar for the 2 groups (P<.05). At the latest follow-up, the mean MSTS score was 68±10.3 for those with PHE and 76±7.7 for the patients with RSA (P=.72). However, the QuickDASH score was significantly better (P=.031) for those with RSA (mean, 19±6.3) compared with patients with PHE (mean, 30±4.8). Additionally, shoulder active abduction and forward flexion were significantly greater for the RSA group (P=.04 and P=.03, respectively). Five patients had local recurrence. Prosthetic reconstruction after oncologic re-section of the proximal humerus is associated with significant limitation of shoulder range of motion and a high rate of revision surgery. However, in this study, RSA was associated with fewer dislocations, improved Quick-DASH score, and greater abduction and forward flexion compared with PHE. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):e335-e341.].

Implant Survival, Clinical Outcome and Complications of Megaprosthetic Reconstructions Following Sarcoma Resection

Simple Summary

Malignant bone and soft tissue tumors are usually surgically removed with an envelope of healthy tissue as a barrier. If located in the long bones of the upper and lower extremity, this approach leads to a large bone defect commonly affecting a joint. One way to rebuild the bone defect and the neighboring joint is the use of a megaprosthesis that is anchored in the remaining bone comparable to a conventional joint replacement. In general this approach is popular as it provides early stability and allows the affected patient to begin rehabilitation early on. However, complications leading to long-term unplanned reoperation are common. This article provides an overview of current implant survival, types of complication and long-term outcomes of megaprostheses used following tumor resection.

Abstract

Megaprosthetic reconstruction of segmental bone defects following sarcoma resection is a frequently chosen surgical approach in orthopedic oncology. While the use of megaprostheses has gained popularity over the last decades and such implants are increasingly used for metastatic reconstructions and in non-tumor cases, there still is a high risk of long-term complications leading to revision surgery. This article investigates current implant survivorship, frequency and types of complications as well as functional outcomes of upper and lower limb megaprosthetic reconstructions.