Autologous double-barrel vascularized fibula bone graft for arthrodesis of the shoulder after tumor resection

Design and validation of a novel 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis for the reconstruction of proximal humerus bone defects: a biomechanical study

Background

All available methods for reconstruction after proximal humerus tumor resection have disadvantages, and the optimal reconstruction method remains uncertain. This study aimed to design a novel 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis and verify its feasibility and safety using biomechanical methods.

Methods

We verified the feasibility and safety of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis by finite element analysis and biomechanical experimentation. In the finite element analysis, three reconstruction methods were used, and displacement and von Mises stress were observed; on this basis, in the biomechanical experiment, models constructed with sawbones were classified into two groups. The force‒displacement curve of the 3D-printed prosthesis was evaluated.

Results

In terms of displacement, the finite element analysis showed greater overall stability for the novel prosthesis than traditional glenohumeral joint arthrodesis. There was no obvious stress concentration in the internal part of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis; the stable structure bore most of the stress, and the force was well distributed. Adding lateral plate fixation improved the stability and mechanical properties of the prosthesis. Furthermore, the biomechanical results showed that without lateral plate fixation, the total displacement of the prosthesis doubled; adding lateral plate fixation could reduce and disperse strain on the glenoid.

Conclusion

The design of the 3D-printed glenohumeral fusion prosthesis was rational, and its stability and mechanical properties were better than those of traditional glenohumeral joint arthrodesis. Biomechanical verification demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this prosthesis, indicating its potential for proximal humerus bone defect reconstruction after tumor resection.

Functional outcome and quality of life following resection of the proximal humerus performed for musculoskeletal tumors and reconstruction done by four different methods

INTRODUCTION

The proximal humerus is a frequent site for both primary and secondary bone tumors. Several options are currently available to reconstruct the resected humerus, but there is no consensus regarding optimal reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the functional outcome, complications and patient compliance following four different types of reconstructive techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors performed 90 proximal humerus resections due to primary and secondary bone tumors over the past 21 years. Four different procedures were performed for reconstruction following the resection: fibula autograft transplantation, osteoarticular allograft implantation, modular tumor endoprosthesis (hemiarthroplasty) and reconstruction of the defect with a reverse shoulder prosthesis-allograft composite. A retrospective analysis of the complications and patient's physical status was performed. Functional outcome and life quality was evaluated by using the MSTS and SF-36 scores.

RESULTS

The best range of motion was observed following arthroplasty with a reverse shoulder prosthesis-homograft composite followed by a fibula autograft reconstruction. Revision surgery was required due to major complications most frequently in the osteoarticular allograft group, followed by the reverse shoulder prosthesis-allograft composite group, the autologous fibula transplantation group; the tumor endoprosthesis hemiarthroplasty group had superior results regarding revision surgery (40, 25, 24 and 14% respectively). MSTS was 84% on average for the reverse shoulder prosthesis-allograft composite group, 70% for the autologous fibula group, 67% for the anatomical hemiarthroplasty group and 64% for the osteoartricular allograft group. Using the SF-36 questionnaire for assessment no significant differences were found between the four groups regarding quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Based on the results of our study the best functional performance (range of motion and patient compliance) was achieved in the a reverse prosthesis-allograft combination group-in cases where the axillary nerve could be spared. The use of an osteoarticular allograft resulted in unsatisfying functional results and high complication rates, therefore we do not recommend it as a reconstructive method following resection of the proximal humerus due to either primary or metastatic bone tumors. Young patients who have good life expectancy but a small humerus or intramedullar cavity reconstruction by implantation of a fibula autograft is a good option. For patients with a poor prognosis (i.g. bone metastases) or in cases where the axillary nerve must be sacrificed, hemiarthroplasty using a tumor endoprosthesis was found to have acceptable results with a low complication rate. According to the MSTS and SF-36 functional scoring systems patients compliance was nearly identical following all four types of reconstruction techniques; the underlying cause may be the complexity of the shoulder girdle. However, we recommend the implantation of a reverse shoulder prosthesis-allograft whenever indication is appropriate, as it has been demonstrated to provide excellent functional outcomes, especially in young adults.

Three-dimensional-printed porous prosthesis for the joint-sparing reconstruction of the proximal humeral tumorous defect

Background: Tumorous bone defect reconstructions of the proximal humerus with joint sparing is a challenge. Numerous reconstruction methods have been proposed but the proximal residual humerus is commonly sacrificed because of its extremely short length. To preserve the proximal humerus and improve clinical outcomes, we designed a three-dimensional (3D) printed uncemented prosthesis with a porous structure to treat tumorous bone defects of the proximal humerus. Methods: Our analysis included seven patients treated between March 2018 and July 2019. A 3D model was established, and related data were obtained, including the diameter of the humeral head, the resection length, and the residual length. A prosthesis was designed and fabricated based on these data. Functional and oncologic outcomes were recorded, and complications and osseointegration were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 20.3 years, and the median follow-up period was 26 months. The lengths of the residual proximal humerus were 17.9 mm on average. All the patients had preserved humeral heads and most of the rotator cuff was intact. The average postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the affected shoulder was 83.8°; flexion was 82.5°, extension was 43.8°, and adduction was 16.3°. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) was 94.3%. Good osseointegration was observed on the interface between the bone and prosthesis. Conclusion: A 3D printed porous prosthesis with cone-like structures successfully achieved joint-sparing reconstruction of proximal humeral tumorous defects with satisfying functional outcomes. The preservation of the rotator cuff and humeral head plays an essential role in the function of the shoulder joint.

The influence of shoulder arthrodesis on the function of the upper limb in adult patients after a brachial plexus injury: a systematic literature review with elements of meta-analysis

Based on the literature, 294 shoulder arthrodeses after brachial plexus injury in adults were assessed, mostly male; the mean age of the patients was 33 years, and the mean follow-up time was 5.5 years. The most common cause of injury was a traffic accident, especially on a motorcycle.

Arthrodesis position ranged from 15 to 40 degrees of flexion, 15 to 60 degrees of abduction, and 0 to 50 degrees of internal rotation with the predominance of position by the 30-30-30 rule. Plates, screws, and external fixation were used for stabilization. The complication rate was at the level of 28%, the most common complication being delayed union or nonunion.

Active movements of flexion and abduction averaged 61 and 56 degrees, respectively, while reaching the hand to the mouth, front pocket, and buttock was feasible for 69%, 71%, and 38%, respectively, after surgery. Shoulder pain was present in 77% of patients, and 28% experienced no relevant pain reduction after surgery. The subjective satisfaction rate was 82% based on significant improvement and satisfaction reported by patients after arthrodesis.

Arthrodesis of the shoulder, in adult patients after brachial plexus palsy, can reduce shoulder pain, increase stability, and result in a range of motion that increases the possibility of carrying out everyday activities. This affects the high level of subjective patient satisfaction after surgery.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:797-807. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200114

Strategies for large bone defect reconstruction after trauma, infections or tumour excision: a comprehensive review of the literature

Large bone defects resulting from musculoskeletal tumours, infections, or trauma are often unable to heal spontaneously. The challenge for surgeons is to avoid amputation, and provide the best functional outcomes. Allograft, vascularized fibular or iliac graft, hybrid graft, extracorporeal devitalized autograft, distraction osteogenesis, induced-membrane technique, and segmental prostheses are the most common surgical strategies to manage large bone defects. Given its optimal osteogenesis, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and histocompatibility properties, along with the lower the risk of immunological rejection, autologous graft represents the most common used strategy for reconstruction of bone defects. However, the choice of the best surgical technique is still debated, and no consensus has been reached. The present study investigated the current reconstructive strategies for large bone defect after trauma, infections, or tumour excision, discussed advantages and disadvantages of each technique, debated available techniques and materials, and evaluated complications and new perspectives.

Glenohumeral Arthrodesis With Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) Bone Grafting After Traumatic Proximal Humerus Bone Loss and Flail Shoulder

Glenohumeral arthrodesis is a salvage procedure in the shoulder with few indications. However, in young patients with flail shoulder, shoulder arthrodesis is a durable, functional option. Allograft or autograft can be used to reconstruct the defect during glenohumeral arthrodesis. Autografts be vascularized or nonvascularized. The use of vascularized autograft can increase operative time and is associated with substantial donor-site morbidity. The reamer-irrigator-aspirator, a system that irrigates and aspirates reamed bone and medullary contents, including mesenchymal stem cells, isolating bone graft with little donor-site morbidity, is a potential solution. We used this system for glenohumeral arthrodesis in a 22-year-old man with massive proximal humeral bone loss, axillary nerve injury, deltoid muscle atrophy, and soft-tissue coverage needs complicated by infection. Isolated graft was placed in the bony defect, and the arthrodesis was stabilized with a 16-hole plate. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At 3 months after surgery, his bone graft had incorporated, with no evidence of instrumentation loosening or breakage. Six months after surgery, he had good function of the operative extremity with consolidation of the fusion mass and no loss of fixation. This patient's outcome highlights that this method has low donor-site morbidity, allows for rapid osseointegration and union, and preserves functional outcomes, despite necessary humeral shortening.

Free vascularized fibula grafting in the operative treatment of malignant bone tumors of the upper extremity: A systematic review of outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Vascularized bone grafting after tumor resection can be an important component in the treatment of bony neoplasms of the upper extremity. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of free vascularized fibula grafting (FVFG) in the treatment of upper extremity sarcomas.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature of FVFG used in the treatment of upper extremity sarcomas was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 56 studies were included in final analysis. The most common diagnosis was osteosarcoma (35.1%) and the most common recipient site was the humerus (57.3%). FVFG had a median union rate of 93.3%, with the median time to union being 5.0 months. The most common complications were fracture (11.7%), nerve injury (7.5%), infection (5.7%), and hammer toe deformity (3.3%). The reoperation rate was 34.5%. The most commonly reported standardized assessment of clinical outcomes following treatment was the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score, which had a median of 80% postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

FVFG in the treatment of malignant bony neoplasms of the upper extremity has a high rate of union and good overall outcomes; however, postoperative complication rates are high. A greater degree of standardization is needed in the reporting of patient-centered outcomes to facilitate future comparative studies.

Effectiveness of Clavicula Pro Humero Reconstruction for Elderly Patients: Report of Two Cases

Clavicula pro humero (CPH) reconstruction is a method that is used after proximal humeral excision. During CPH reconstruction, the ipsilateral clavicle is rotated downward and connected to the preserved distal humerus by using plates and screws. This method is frequently used for reconstruction surgeries involving young patients and has positive outcomes. In this study, we describe two cases of CPH reconstruction that were performed on elderly individuals after wide resection of the proximal humerus; postoperative results from these surgeries were satisfactory. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score after surgery was 68.5%, indicating that CPH reconstruction is suitable for not only younger but also elderly patients, particularly those over the age of 65 years.

Glenohumeral arthrodesis for malignant tumor of the shoulder girdle

BACKGROUND

Arthrodesis of the shoulder joint using a free vascularized fibular graft has been performed as a reconstruction method after resection of bone sarcoma in the shoulder girdle. Postoperative fractures occasionally occur as a complication of arthrodesis of the shoulder joint using single-bone fusion (the conventional method). We hypothesized that the clinical results of shoulder arthrodesis using a double-barrel vascularized fibula graft for the malignant tumor of the shoulder girdle would achieve superior results compared with the conventional single-bone fusion method.

METHODS

The clinical results of 5 patients with a malignant bone and soft tissue tumor of the shoulder girdle were retrospectively reviewed. The factors evaluated were surgical margins, reconstruction procedures, postoperative complications, local recurrences, metastasis in lymph nodes or lung, or both, survival, and functional results assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. After surgical resection, arthrodesis of the shoulder joint was performed using a free vascularized fibula graft as a reconstructive procedure for the bone defect. Arthrodesis was by single-bone fusion in 3 of 5 patients, and a double-barrel vascularized fibula graft (dual-bone fusion) was used in 2 patients.

RESULTS

The average MSTS scores were 58.3% in the group with single-bone fusion and 85.0% in the group with dual-bone fusion.

CONCLUSION

The use of a double-barrel vascularized fibular graft may be useful in the reconstruction of large bone defects after wide excision of malignant tumors of the proximal humerus, with the advantage of avoiding postoperative fractures in shoulder arthrodesis.