Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus. Long-term results

Postoperative Outcomes of Total Humerus Replacement for Oncologic Reconstruction of the Upper Limb: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Total humerus replacement (THR) is a reconstruction procedure performed after resection of massive humeral tumors. However, there is limited literature on the rates of failure and functional outcomes of this implant. Our study aimed to determine the main failure modes, implant survival, and postoperative functional outcomes of THR.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted. We registered our study on PROSPERO (448684) and used the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for quality assessment. The Henderson classification was used to assess endoprosthesis failure and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score for functional outcomes. Weighted means and standard deviations were calculated.

RESULTS

Ten studies comprising 171 patients undergoing THR were finally included. The overall failure rate was 32.2%. Tumor progression (12.6%) and prosthetic infections (9.4%) were the most common failure modes, followed by soft-tissue failures (5.9%), aseptic loosening (3.5%), and structural failure (1.8%). Two-year, 5-year, and 10-year implant survival rates for the entire cohort were 86%, 81%, and 69.3%. Ten-year implant survival for primary THRs was 78.3%, compared with 38.6% for revision THRs (p = 0.049). The mean MSTS score at the last follow-up was 77%. Patients whose implants did not fail had a higher MSTS score (79.3%) than those with failed implants (71.4%) (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

One-third of THR will fail, mostly due to tumor progression and prosthetic infection. Overall functional scores were acceptable, with MSTS scores displaying great hand and elbow function but limited shoulder function.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Proximal Humerus Reconstruction for Bone Sarcomas: A Critical Analysis

» The proximal humerus is a common location for primary bone tumors, and the goal of surgical care is to obtain a negative margin resection and subsequent reconstruction of the proximal humerus to allow for shoulder function.» The current evidence supports the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty over hemiarthroplasty when reconstructing the proximal humerus after resection of a bone sarcoma if the axillary nerve can be preserved.» There is a lack of high-quality data comparing allograft prosthetic composite (APC) with endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal humerus.» Reverse APC should be performed using an allograft with donor rotator cuff to allow for soft-tissue repair of the donor and host rotator cuff, leading to improvements in shoulder motion compared with an endoprosthesis.

Complex Functional Posttraumatic Shoulder Reconstruction Using Shoulder Arthroplasty and a Pedicled Innervated Latissimus Dorsi Flap-A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

The shoulder joint is one of the most freely movable joints in the human body and has therefore high importance for upper limb functionality. Several techniques have been developed to replace the glenohumeral joint including humeral hemiarthroplasty, anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, depending on the underlying pathology. For the soft tissue reconstruction, the innervated latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a reliable solution flap in shoulder and arm reconstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 16-year-old male patient with a complete destruction of the shoulder joint and soft tissues after ballistic trauma. We performed the reconstruction of the shoulder joint using a humeral hemiarthroplasty with a mesh fixation to the remaining glenoid. The soft tissue coverage and the restoration of the deltoid muscle function were insured with a pedicled innervated latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. One year postoperatively, the patient showed a good function of the shoulder joint with an excellent aesthetical result and no pain.

CONCLUSION

The pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can safely restore the shoulder function, while the humeral hemiarthroplasty with mesh fixation can be a reliable solution for the reconstruction of a completely destructed shoulder joint.

Allograft-Prosthetic Composite Reconstruction for Proximal Humerus Bone Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes and Complications

BACKGROUND

In smaller studies, allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) has been used for proximal humerus bone loss with some success, although with notable complication risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to describe outcomes and complications after proximal humerus APC and how major APC complications are defined in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on APC for proximal humeral bone loss secondary to tumor, fracture, or failed arthroplasty. Primary outcomes included postoperative range of motion, outcome scores (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant, visual analog scale [VAS], and subjective shoulder value [SSV]), and complication incidence. We also described individual study definitions of APC malunion/nonunion, methods of postoperative evaluation, malunion/nonunion rates, allograft fracture/fragmentation rates, and mean union time, when available. Secondarily, we compared hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles including 375 shoulders were evaluated (average age: 49 years, follow-up: 54 months). Fifty-seven percent of procedures were performed for tumors, 1% for proximal humerus trauma sequelae, and 42% for revision arthroplasty. Average postoperative forward elevation was 82° (69-94°), abduction 60° (30-90°), and external rotation 23° (17-28°). Average MSTS score was 82% (77%-87%), SST score 5.3 (4.5-6.1), ASES score 64 (54-74), Constant score 44 (38-50), VAS score 2.2 (1.7-2.7), and SSV 51 (45-58). There was a 51% complication rate with an 18% nonallograft surgical complication rate, 26% APC nonunion/malunion/resorption rate, and 10% APC fracture/fragmentation rate. Fifteen percent of nonunited APCs underwent secondary bone grafting; 3% required a new allograft; and overall revision rate was 12%. APC nonunion/malunion was defined in 2 of 16, malunion/nonunion rates in 14 of 16, fracture/fragmentation rates in 6 of 16, and mean union time (7 months) in 4 of 16 studies.

CONCLUSION

APC reconstruction of the proximal humerus remains a treatment option, albeit with substantial complication rates. In addition, there is a need for APC literature to report institutional definitions of nonunion/malunion, postoperative evaluation, and time to union for a more standardized evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV; systematic review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Management of Proximal Humeral Oncologic Lesions

The proximal humerus is a common location for primary tumors, benign lesions, and metastatic disease. Advances in neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy have allowed for limb-salvage surgery in most of the cases. There are numerous of options for surgical management of proximal humerus lesions and the decision to pursue one over another depends on factors such as age, comorbidities, pathology, location within the proximal humerus, planned resection margins/size of defect, and bone quality. Long-term outcomes for these techniques tend to be retrospective comparative studies, with recent studies highlighting the improved outcomes of reverse total shoulders.

Function and return to sports after proximal humeral replacement in patients with primary bone sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Improved patient and limb survival rates have led to an increased interest in the functional outcome and return to sports of patients undergoing megaprosthetic reconstruction in musculoskeletal oncology. This study evaluates the functional outcome and postoperatively performed level of sports in patients undergoing proximal humeral replacement (PHR) following resection of a primary bone sarcoma and identifies potential beneficial and limiting factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2020, a total of 606 patients underwent resection of a primary bone sarcoma and reconstruction with a single-design modular implant. For 112 (18%) patients, the location of the tumour was the proximal humerus. Exclusion criteria were death (n = 65), patients living overseas (n = 8), and subsequent amputation (n = 1), leaving 38 patients for evaluation, of whom 32 were available for the study (13 women, median age 42 years). Clinical data regarding oncological and surgical treatment as well as subsequent complications were obtained from the patients' electronic medical records. Functional outcome was determined using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) as well as the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Return to sports was assessed using the Tegner Activity Score (TS) and the modified Weighted Activity Score (WAS).

RESULTS

At the last follow-up after a median of 30 months (IQR 22-58), median MSTS was 18 (IQR 12-24), median TESS was 80% (IQR 69-87), median SSV was 35% (IQR 10-58), median TS was 5 (IQR 4-6) and median WAS was 5 (IQR 0-10). Preservation of the axillary nerve, a reverse shoulder reconstruction and a WAS of > 10 prior to surgery were associated with better functional outcome and return to sports activity scores.

CONCLUSION

Following PHR, good to excellent functional outcomes are possible, and patients regularly return to participate in sports activities-most commonly in low-impact types of sports, but some individuals are even able to participate in high-impact sports activities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

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.].

Anatomical and reverse megaprosthesis in proximal humerus reconstructions after oncologic resections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Anatomic (AN) Endoprosthesis (EPR) reconstructions of the shoulder after intra-articular proximal humerus (Malawer type 1) resections are characterized by early recovery and low complications rate. However, shoulder instability and limited mobility can occur. Reverse shoulder (RS) EPR has been introduced to improve functional outcome. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate shoulder reconstructions with AN or RS EPR after Malawer type 1 resection, comparing complications and functional results.

METHODS

Through an electronic systematic search of PubMed, articles concerning EPR after shoulder Malawer type 1 resections were reviewed. Complications rate, range of motion (ROM) and functional outcome (Musculoskeletal Society Tumor Society-MSTS score) of AN and RS EPR were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included. A similar complication rate was observed between AN and RS EPR rate (26.4% and 22.4%, respectively, p = 0.37). Soft tissue failure was the most frequent complication and cause of revision in both groups. Mean post-operative flexion and abduction ROM and MSTS scores were significantly higher in RS EPR, particularly among patients with preserved deltoid function (p = 0.013, p = 0.025 and p = 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic and reverse shoulder EPR represent safe and effective implants for shoulder reconstruction, with similar implant stability and complication rates. RS EPR significantly improves post-operative ROM and functional outcomes, especially when at least a partial function of the abductor apparatus is preserved.

Proximal Humeral Replacement With Osteoarticular Allograft Prosthetic Composite in Failed Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty With Marked Bone Loss

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) procedures are becoming more prevalent with an associated increase in revision procedures. Revision TEA in the setting of marked bone loss poses a challenge for the treating surgeon. We present a viable surgical option for patients with extensive proximal humeral bone loss treated with proximal humerus osteoarticular allograft prosthetic composites prepared with intact rotator cuff, pectoralis, and deltoid soft tissue attachments along with a rehabilitative protocol and follow up. Revision techniques involving the use of strut allografts and allograft prosthetic composites have previously been described in the distal humerus, but none to our knowledge have been published regarding composite allograft replacement of the proximal humerus in in combination with a TEA.

Functional results after oncological scapula resections

INTRODUCTION

Tumors of the scapula are rare representing only 1.6%-2.8% of all skeletal tumor localizations. Wide resection of these tumors is often necessary, and their anatomic location is the most decisive factor for the extent of the resection. Because of the importance of the shoulder girdle for all daily activities, such resections can have major functional consequences. However, only few reports with small numbers of cases are found in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 31 consecutive patients with scapular tumors treated surgically for aggressive benign or malignant tumors of the scapula. Patients who had received curettage only were excluded. Four of these 31 patients were lost to follow-up. In 7 of the remaining 27 patients, a total scapulectomy had to be performed, whereas all others received a partial resection. In 1 case, a partial resection and replantation after irradiation was performed. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) scores were evaluated postoperatively at the time of their follow-up.

RESULTS

In 16 men and 11 women, the median age was 46.2 years and the tumor entities were heterogeneous. The median follow-up time was 71 months. Three patients died during follow-up due to their tumor and 1 due to cardiac disease. We found significantly better functional results in the group with incomplete scapula resections as opposed to the scapulectomy group. We did not see a significant functional difference between the patients with benign and those with malignant lesions. Both the MSTS score with median 83.3% (range between 23% and 100%) and the TESS score with 81.6% (ranging from 20.4% to 100%) were at a satisfactory level. The preservation of the supraspinatus muscle was shown to be advantageous for better shoulder function, and younger patients also tended to have better postoperative results.

CONCLUSION

The resection of scapular tumors may lead to a significant functional disability of the shoulder girdle and the affected arm in many cases. However, this is represented neither in the MSTS or TESS score nor in the overall acceptance of the patients. Only 1 patient, an artisan, had to change his job. In total, the clinical results are quite good in short- and long-term follow-up. The score results were comparable to other studies.

Allograft prosthetic composite reconstruction using a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for failed oncologic proximal humerus reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Endoprosthetic or allograft reconstruction are the preferred reconstruction techniques for proximal humeral bone tumors. Failure of these reconstructions may occur, but historically revision is performed rarely due to the lack of reliable options. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with an allograft prosthetic composite (rAPC) may provide a revision option. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate our institutional outcome of these procedures.

METHODS

Eleven (6 male, 5 female) patients (mean age 51 ± 17 years) underwent revision of a failed oncologic reconstruction of the proximal humerus utilizing a rAPC. The most common indication for revision was subluxation (n = 6) and the most common previous implant was an endoprosthesis (n = 5).

RESULTS

Revision resulted in improvements in shoulder elevation (39° vs. 62°, p = 0.02), external rotation (13° vs. 25°, p = 0.04), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (39 vs. 58, p = 0.004) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scores (51% vs 69%, p = 0.002). There were 2 re-revision procedures performed. One for an allograft fracture and one for allograft resorption and loosening.

CONCLUSIONS

Revision with a rAPC can effectively restore patient function. Due to the complexity of the cases, we advocate for these procedures to be performed by subspecialty upper extremity surgeons trained in complex revision shoulder arthroplasty.

Surgical phocomelia or phoco-reduction as a method of limb salvage for sarcomas of the upper limb: A suitable alternative to amputation

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction following resection of sarcomas of the upper extremity with methods described in the prevalent literature may not be possible in few selected cases. We describe surgical phocomelia or phoco-reduction as a method of limb salvage in such cases of extensive sarcomas of the upper limb with its functional and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

Evaluation of functional and oncological outcomes was performed for 11 patients who underwent surgical phocomelia or phoco-reduction for extensive sarcomas of the upper limb between 2010 and 2019.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period in the study was 27.8 months. Five patients required a segmental resection including the entire humerus while six patients underwent segmental resection around the elbow with a mean resection length of 21.5 cm. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 22 depicting a good functional outcome. Mean handgrip strength on the operated side was 62% of the contralateral side with preservation of useful hand function. Meantime to humeroulnar union was 6.7 months. Radial nerve palsy and implant failure occurred in one patient each. No patient developed local recurrence while three patients died of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Surgical phocomelia is a prudent alternative to severely incapacitating amputations in situations where other reconstruction methods are not feasible.

The Bateman-Type Soft Tissue Reconstruction around Proximal or Total Humeral Megaprostheses in Patients with Primary Malignant Bone Tumors-Functional Outcome and Endoprosthetic Complications

We aimed to evaluate the functional outcome and endoprosthetic complications following the Bateman-type soft tissue reconstruction around proximal or total humeral replacements in patients undergoing resection of a primary malignant bone tumor. Between September 2001 and December 2018, a total of 102 patients underwent resection of a primary malignant bone tumor and subsequent reconstruction with a modular humeral megaprosthesis in our department. Fifteen (15%) of these patients underwent a Bateman-type soft tissue reconstruction and were included in this retrospective study. The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 21, the median Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) was 70, and the median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 72. Fifty-three percent (8/15) of all patients required a revision surgery after a median time of 6 months. There were 2 soft tissue failures, 3 infections and 3 tumor recurrences. The revision-free implant survivorship amounted to 53% (95% confidence interval (CI) 28-81) after 1 year and 47% (95% CI 22-73) at last follow-up. The Bateman-type reconstruction is a feasible option for soft tissue reconstruction but functional outcome is overall limited and the risk for revision surgery within the first postoperative year is high.

Periprosthetic Stress Shielding of the Humerus after Reconstruction with Modular Shoulder Megaprostheses in Patients with Sarcoma

(1) Background: Modular megaprosthetic reconstruction using a proximal humerus replacement has emerged as a commonly chosen approach after bone tumor resection. However, the long-term risk for revision surgery is relatively high. One factor that might be associated with mechanical failures is periprosthetic osteolysis around the stem, also known as stress shielding. The frequency, potential risk factors, and the effect on implant survival are unknown. (2) Methods: A retrospective single-center study of 65 patients with sarcoma who underwent resection of the proximal humerus and subsequent reconstruction with a modular endoprosthesis. Stress shielding was defined as the development of bone resorption around the prosthesis stem beginning at the bone/prosthesis interface. The extent of stress shielding was measured with a new method quantifying bone resorption in relation to the intramedullary stem length. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months with conventional radiographs available and the median follow-up amounted to 36 months. (3) Results: Stress shielding was observed in 92% of patients (60/65). The median longitudinal extent of stress shielding amounted to 14% at last follow-up. Fifteen percent (10/65) showed bone resorption of greater than 50%. The median time to the first radiographic signs of stress shielding was 6 months (IQR 3–9). Patients who underwent chemotherapy (43/65) showed a greater extent of stress shielding compared to those without chemotherapy. Three percent (2/65) of patients were revised for aseptic loosening, and one patient had a periprosthetic fracture (1/65, 1.5%). All these cases had >20% extent of stress shielding (23–57%). (4) Conclusions: Stress shielding of the proximal humerus after shoulder reconstruction with modular megaprosthesis is common. It occurs within the first year of follow-up and might be self-limiting in many patients; however, about one third of patients shows progression beyond the first year. Still, mechanical complications were rare, but stress shielding might be clinically relevant in individual cases. The extent of stress shielding was increased in patients who underwent perioperative chemotherapy. Stress shielding can be quantified with an easy method using the stem length as a reference.

Proximal Humerus Reconstruction after Tumor Resection: An Overview of Surgical Management

Proximal humerus is one of the anatomical sites that are most frequently involved by bone and soft tissue malignant tumors. Alone or in association with adjuvant treatments, surgery represents the main therapeutic option to treat and eradicate these diseases. Once the first-line option, in the last decades, amputation lost its role as treatment of choice for the large majority of cases in favor of the modern limb sparing surgery that promises to preserve anatomy and-as much as possible-upper limb functionality. Currently, the main approaches used to replace proximal humerus after a wide resection in oncologic surgery can be summarized in biological reconstructions (allografts and autografts), prosthetic reconstructions (anatomic endoprostheses, total reverse shoulder prostheses), and graft-prosthetic composite reconstructions. The purpose of this overview is to present nowadays surgical options for proximal humerus reconstruction in oncological patients, with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

An Initial Experience of Shoulder Resections and Reconstruction for Bone Tumours from a Cancer Centre in North-East India

Advances in surgery and multidisciplinary approach have made limb salvage surgery feasible in most patients with tumours around the shoulder joint. Although resection and reconstruction options are complex, good outcomes can be achieved when performed at a specialised centre. The data of patients with bone tumours who underwent proximal humeral resection and reconstruction in a single cancer centre were prospectively analysed. Comparison between biological and non-biological reconstruction was done in seven patients of which three patients underwent biological reconstruction and four patients had non-biological reconstruction. Measurement data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. The mean values were compared using independent t test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival with log rank test for comparison among groups. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. There were six males and two female patients. Mean follow-up duration was 17.3 months. The mean age of patients was 24.7 ± 16.3 years. The mean functional score for biological reconstruction was 26.3 ± 1.16 and for non-biological reconstruction was 24.5 ± 1.3 with a p value of 0.1. Overall survival of patients with biological reconstruction was 75% and non-biological reconstruction was 100% with a p value of 0.3. Recurrence-free survival for biological reconstruction and non-biological reconstruction was 75% and 100%, respectively, with p value of 0.3. Limb salvage surgery in a dedicated cancer centre is a feasible option for most tumours around the shoulder joint. Biological and non-biological reconstructions both produced acceptable functional outcomes in our patients.

Custom Prosthetic Reconstruction for Severe Proximal Humeral Bone Loss Status Post Infected Arthroplasty: A Case Report

CASE

A 68-year-old male, status post revision right reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for periprosthetic fracture, suffered a periprosthetic joint infection necessitating 2-stage revision. Imaging revealed 8.6 cm of ipsilateral proximal humeral bone loss (PHBL) including loss of the greater and lesser tuberosities. A 2-stage revision was performed using an antibiotic spacer, followed by a custom long-stem RTSA for definitive reconstruction. Two years postoperatively, the patient had significantly improved pain and functional range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Custom long-stem RTSA could serve as a potentially viable reconstructive option in patients with severe PHBL.

Mesh patch and anchors can improve clinical results of prosthetic replacement after resection of primary proximal humerus malignant tumor

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional results, complications and related factors of prosthesis reconstruction after malignant tumor resection of primary proximal humeral, and also evaluate whether soft tissue reconstruction with mesh patch and anchors can improve clinical results. From 2002 to 2016, forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. The pathological diagnosis contained 27 cases of osteosarcoma, 7 cases of chondrosarcoma and other primary malignant bone tumors. Both mesh patch and anchors were used in the reconstruction of joint capsule and the surrounding soft tissues in 27 cases. The mean postoperative follow-up was 60.6 months. The average active abduction angle and passive abduction angle was 33.5 (5–71) degrees and 72.4 (52–104) degrees. The prosthetic humeral head displacement was over 2 cm in 5 cases (12.2%). The average MSTS score was 23.1. The overall 5-year survival rate of prosthesis was 88.2%. The length of osteotomy, whether preserving deltoid muscle, whether applying mesh patch and anchors had significant effects on the abduction angle of shoulder joint; the length of osteotomy, whether applying mesh patch and anchors had significant effects on the degree of upward displacement of prosthesis. The application of both mesh patch and anchors in prosthesis reconstruction achieved more stable result and better function of shoulder joint. To ensure the stability of shoulder joint and the firm wrapping of surrounding soft tissue are key factors affecting the postoperative function.

Is a single dose of preoperative antibiotic therapy effective for patients treated with megaendoprosthesis after metastatic bone tumour resection?

Purpose The timing and number of doses of antibiotics required for megaendoprosthetic replacement (MPR) in metastatic bone disease (MBD) is a matter of debate. The aim of our study is to present the results of a prospective cohort of MPR for MBD receiving a single dose of antibiotic at induction of anaesthesia.

METHODS

All patients who underwent primary MPR in MBD were included in this prospective study. All penicillin-sensitive patients received one dose of cefuroxime 1.5gm intravenous at induction. In penicillin-allergic patients, teicoplanin 1.2gm and ciprofloxacin 500 mg intravenous was administered. The patients were followed up in the wound clinic and the specialist MBD clinic at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and then annually. Data collected included demographics, primary tumours, surgical procedures, complications and duration of follow-up. All calculations were performed using SPSS^® 25(IBM, USA). A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

There were 51 patients with a mean age of 65.4 years. Procedures included proximal femoral replacement (35), distal femoral replacement (7), proximal humeral replacement (4), distal humeral replacement (3) and total femoral replacement (2). Thirty-seven patients received cefuroxime, and fourteen patients received teicoplanin and ciprofloxacin at induction of anaesthesia. The deep infection rate was 1.9%. Thirty-seven patients died with a median survival of 10 months (1 to 51 months). Mean follow-up was 18.9 months (1 to 70 months).

CONCLUSION

Single dose of preoperative antibiotics at anaesthetic induction seems to be safe and effective for preoperative prophylaxis in orthopaedic oncology.

Humeral stress shielding following cemented endoprosthetic reconstruction: An under-reported complication?

INTRODUCTION

The proximal humerus is a common location for primary and non-primary tumors. Reconstruction of the proximal humerus is commonly performed with an endoprosthesis with low rates of structural failure. The incidence and risk factors for stress shielding are under reported.

METHODS

Thirty-nine (19 male, 20 female) patients underwent resection of the proximal humerus and reconstruction with a cemented modular endoprosthesis between 2000 and 2018. The mean resection length was 12 ± 4 cm and was most commonly performed for metastatic disease (n = 26, 67%).

RESULTS

Stress shielding was observed in 9 (23%) patients at a mean of 29 (6-132) months postoperatively. Patients with stress shielding were noted to have shorter intramedullary stem length (87 vs. 107 mm, p < .001), longer extramedullary implant length (16 vs. 14 cm, p = .01) and a higher extramedullary implant to stem length ratio (2.1 vs. 1.1, p < .001). The incidence of stress shielding was higher (p = .003) in patients reconstructed with 75 mm stem (n = 6, 67%) lengths.

CONCLUSION

Stress shielding of the humerus was associated with the use of shorter stems and long extramedullary implants. The long-term ramifications of stress shielding on implant stability, complications at the time of revision surgery, and overall patient outcomes remain unknown.

Comparison of reconstructive techniques following oncologic intraarticular resection of proximal humerus

INTRODUCTION

The proximal humerus is a common site of primary and metastatic disease in the upper extremity. Historically, the goal of a hemiarthroplasty reconstruction was to provide a stable platform for hand and elbow function, with limited shoulder function. Techniques utilizing a reverse endoprosthesis (endoprosthetic replacement [EPR]) and allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) have been developed; however, there is a paucity of comparative studies.

METHODS

A total of 83 (42 females, 41 males) patients undergoing an intraarticular resection of the humerus were reviewed. Reconstructions included 30 reverse and 53 hemiarthroplasty; including hemiarthroplasty EPR (n = 36) and APC (n = 17), and reverse EPR (n = 20) and APC (n = 10).

RESULTS

Reverse reconstructions had improved forward elevation (85° vs. 44°, p < .001) and external rotation (30° vs. 21°; p < .001) versus a hemiarthroplasty. Reverse reconstructions had improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (65 vs. 57; p = .01) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 scores (72 vs. 63; p < .001) versus hemiarthroplasty. Subluxation of the reconstruction was a common (n = 23, 27%), only occurring in hemiarthroplasty patients (EPR [n = 13, 36%] and APC [n = 10, 59%]).

CONCLUSION

The current series highlights the improved functional outcome in patients undergoing reconstruction with a reverse arthroplasty compared to the traditional hemiarthroplasty. Currently reverse shoulder arthroplasty (APC or EPR) is our preferred methods of reconstruction in this patient population.

Allograft-Composite Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Malignant Tumor of the Proximal Humerus

Composite-allograft reverse shoulder arthroplasties are a surgical alternative in malignant tumor reconstructions following segmental bone resection of the proximal humerus. They allow reinsertion of the rotator cuff tendons and reliable restoration of humeral height, increasing prosthetic stability and mobility. Preoperative local tumor extension assessment must be thorough and a strict surgical technique must be followed to obtain satisfactory functional results. The indications for this procedure include a strictly intraosseous tumor of the proximal humerus corresponding to an S3-S4 A resection following criteria provided by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society as described by Enneking and colleagues in 1990. Certain conditions must question the procedure such as extended S3-S4-S5 bone resections, partial sacrifice of the deltoid muscle, preoperative deltoid impairment, and glenohumeral arthrectomy. Here, we report technical details and indications of composite-allograft reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the context of tumor segmental resection of the proximal humerus, especially in the humeral preparation.

Constrained or unconstrained shoulder replacement for musculoskeletal tumor resections?

BACKGROUND

Many options exist for reconstructing the shoulder after large bony resections of the proximal humerus. One of the more widely used is endoprosthetic replacement. Proximal migration of unconstrained hemiarthroplasty articulations may cause difficulties particularly in the setting of loss of the rotator cuff and/or deltoid musculature. To attempt to overcome these issues, a fixed-fulcrum constrained reverse shoulder replacement option may be considered.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the Queensland Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service was undertaken to compare the function, implant survivorship, and reoperation rate of constrained reverse and unconstrained hemiarthroplasty-type endoprostheses in patients with tumors.

RESULTS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 41 consecutive proximal or total humeral endoprosthetic replacements undertaken between January 2003 and July 2018. One patient was excluded as lost to follow-up prior to 24 months. There were 21 unconstrained implants and 19 constrained shoulder replacements (Stanmore Modular Endoprosthesis Tumour System with Bayley-Walker articulation). Proximal migration of the unconstrained hemiarthroplasty articulation occurred in 8 patients (38%), and dislocation or failure of the constrained mechanism occurred in 5 (26%). Reoperation for implant-related issues was required in 5 patients in the constrained group and none in the unconstrained group. Of the 18 patients alive at the time of review, 12 provided functional scores. The mean follow-up period for surviving patients was 4.2 years (standard deviation, 2.7 years), with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. Functional scores were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Constrained reverse prostheses were associated with a higher reoperation rate in this series without any functional benefit compared with unconstrained hemiarthroplasty-type articulations. We favor the use of unconstrained hemiarthroplasty-type endoprostheses for reconstruction after resection of destructive lesions of the proximal humerus.

Endoprosthetic Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity in Oncologic Surgery

In 1943, Austin Moore successfully reconstructed a proximal femur using a Vitallium endoprosthesis. This marked the first successful alternative to amputation in oncologic surgery. However, it was not until the introduction of high-resolution axial imaging and improved chemotherapeutics that the feasibility of limb salvage began to improve. Today, limb salvage surgery can be used to treat most oncologic conditions of the extremities, the most popular reconstruction option being endoprostheses. Megaprostheses use has expanded to nononcologic indications with severe bone loss, including infections, revision arthroplasty, and severe periarticular trauma and its sequelae. The proximal humerus and scapula are challenging for reconstruction, given the complex anatomy of the brachial plexus, the accompanying vascular structures, and the dynamic stabilizers of the relatively nonstable glenohumeral joint. The midhumerus is difficult because of the close location of the radial nerve, whereas the distal humerus is challenging because of the proximity of the brachial artery and its bifurcation, radial, ulnar, and median nerves, and lack of soft-tissue coverage. Despite these challenges, this review demonstrates that many series show excellent mid- to long-term results for pain relief and function restoration after megaprosthetic reconstruction of the scapula and humerus after bone resections for oncologic and nononcologic reasons.

Extendable Endoprostheses in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Study of 124 Children Surviving More Than 10 Years After Resection of Bone Sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Extendable endoprostheses are used to reconstruct segmental defects following resection of bone sarcomas in skeletally immature patients. However, there remains a paucity of studies with regard to long-term outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 124 skeletally immature children who underwent an extendable endoprosthetic replacement and survived more than 10 years after the surgical procedures. Anatomical sites included the distal part of the femur (n = 66), the proximal part of the femur (n = 13), the proximal part of the tibia (n = 29), and the proximal part of the humerus (n = 16). Complications and implant survival were classified according to the modified Henderson criteria.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 24 years (range, 10 to 36 years). The mean age at the time of the extendable endoprosthetic replacement was 9 years (range, 2 to 16 years). All patients had reached skeletal maturity at the last follow-up. The 10-year endoprosthetic failure-free survival rate was 28%. A total of 243 complications occurred in 90% of patients; these complications were most frequently related to soft-tissue problems (27% of complications). The incidence of and cumulative survival with respect to each failure mode varied between anatomical sites. Soft-tissue failures occurred most frequently in the proximal part of the femur (77%; p = 0.003), and the distal part of the femur was the most frequent site of aseptic loosening (52%; p = 0.014) and structural failure (55%; p = 0.001). Excluding lengthening procedures, 105 patients (85%) underwent an additional surgical procedure, with a mean of 2.7 surgical procedures per patient (range, 0 to 7 surgical procedures per patient). The mean limb-length discrepancy at the final follow-up was 1 cm (range, 0 to 9 cm). Limb salvage was achieved in 113 patients (91%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score (the percentage of a total score of 30 points) was 82% (range, 40% to 100%) in 115 patients with available data at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Extendable endoprostheses are associated with a high complication rate and a need for additional surgical procedures over time. Despite this, successful limb salvage with reasonable function and small limb-length discrepancy is achievable in the long term. Our study provides benchmark data for individual anatomical sites for further improvements of outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Limb Salvage Using Liquid Nitrogen-Treated Tumour-Bearing Autograft: A Single Institutional Experience of 10 Patients

BACKGROUND

Many reconstruction methods have evolved to offer limb salvage surgery (LSS) to patients with musculoskeletal sarcomas. It can be achieved using endoprosthesis or biological reconstruction methods like allograft or autograft or a combination of both. In carefully selected patients, resected bone can be recycled and reimplanted after sterilisation using methods like irradiation, autoclaving, pasteurisation or liquid nitrogen.

METHODS

From 2010 to 2016, 10 patients with primary musculoskeletal sarcoma underwent limb salvage surgery (LSS) by wide resection of the tumour and reconstruction using recycled autograft treated with liquid nitrogen. Intercalary resection was carried out in six patients and intra-articular in four. The resected bone was dipped in liquid nitrogen for 25 min, thawed at room temperature for 15 min followed by dipping in vancomycin-mixed saline for 10 min. The recycled bone was re-implanted into its original site and stabilised with internal fixation.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up period of 39.6 months (range 6-97 months), all patients had a good function (mean functional score of 80%) with no evidence of local recurrence in the re-implanted bone or otherwise. Union was achieved at 15 of the 16 osteotomy sites with a mean union time of 5.2 months (range 4-7 months) without any additional surgical interventions. In none of the patient, augmentation with vascularised/non-vascularised fibula was done. No complication like fracture of the autograft, implant failure or deep/superficial infection was reported in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Recycled tumour-bearing autograft after treatment with liquid nitrogen is an anatomical, cost-effective, relatively simpler and reliable technique for reconstruction of bone defect after resection in selective primary musculoskeletal sarcoma patients.

Extra-articular resection of shoulder joint for bone sarcomas: Oncologic and limb-salvage outcomes of 32 cases compared with shoulder disarticulation and forequarter amputation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify the overall survival (OS), surgical complications, survival of reconstruction, and functional outcome of patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the shoulder joint for primary bone sarcomas. The OS and local recurrence rates in patients who underwent an amputation were also evaluated for comparison.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients treated between 1988 and 2017 were studied. The tumours were located in the humerus in 22 (69%) and scapula in 10 patients (31%). The resection types were Malawer type IV in 6 (19%), type V in 21 (66%), and type VI in 5 patients (15%). Reconstruction was performed with endoprosthesis in 23 patients (72%) while excision arthroplasty with the suspension of the humerus to the clavicle was performed in 9 patients (28%). Surgical margins were wide in 16, marginal in 8, intralesional in 3, and not available in 5 patients. During the study period, 40 patients underwent a forequarter amputation and 11 patients underwent a shoulder disarticulation.

RESULTS

The 5-year OS for patients who underwent extra-articular resection of the shoulder joint was 42% which was not statistically different compared with that of patients who underwent amputation (5-year OS = 30%; P = .091). The 5-year survival of the reconstruction was 94%, similar for endoprosthesis and excision arthroplasty. Local recurrence and complications developed in 6 (19%) and 10 patients (31%), respectively. Failures of the reconstruction requiring revision surgery occurred in two patients (6%). Limb salvage was achieved in 30 patients (94%). The median Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 61% (interquartile range, 57%-70%) and was similar in the endoprosthesis and excision arthroplasty group.

CONCLUSIONS

Extra-articular resection of the shoulder joint for bone sarcomas is an effective limb-salvage method. However, local recurrence remains a principal concern.

The long-term results of extendable endoprostheses of the humerus in children after the resection of a bone sarcoma

Aims

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term results of extendable endoprostheses of the humerus in children after the resection of a bone sarcoma.

Methods

A total of 35 consecutive patients treated with extendable endoprosthetic replacement of the humerus in children were included. There were 17 boys and 18 girls in the series with a median age at the time of initial surgery of nine years (interquartile range (IQR) 7 to 11).

Results

The median follow-up time was 10.6 years (IQR 3.9 to 20.4). The overall implant survival at ten years was 75%. Complications occurred in 13 patients (37%). Subluxation at the proximal humerus occurred in 19 patients (54%) but only six (17%) were symptomatic. Subluxation was seen more commonly in children under the age of nine years (86%) than in those aged nine years or more (33%) (p = 0.002). Implant failure occurred in nine patients (26%): the most common cause was aseptic loosening (four patients, 11%). Lengthening of the implant was carried out in 23 patients (66%). At final follow up, three patients had a limb that was shortened by 5 cm or more. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score was 79% (73% to 90%).

Conclusion

Extendable endoprosthetic replacement is a reliable method of reconstructing humerus after excision of a bone sarcoma. Children who are less than nine years old have a high risk of subluxation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):64–71

Comparison of outcomes of 2 surgical treatments for proximal humerus giant cell tumors: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of giant cell tumors in the proximal humerus is low. We evaluated 2 surgical treatments for giant cell tumors of the proximal humerus and postoperative upper-extremity function.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 27 cases of giant cell tumors of the proximal humerus at 4 Chinese medical centers specializing in bone oncology collected between January 2002 and June 2015. All patients were followed up for more than 2 years. The surgical procedures performed for treatment included curettage in 14 patients and segmental resection in 13. The Campanacci grade, occurrence of pathologic fracture, surgical method, complications, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score were recorded for each cohort.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate was 7.1% in the curettage group and 15.4% in the segmental resection group. Other postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients with segmental resection, including resorption of the osteoarticular allograft in 2, subluxation of the glenohumeral joint in 1, and prosthetic loosening and exposure in 1. A significant difference in postoperative upper-extremity function was noted between the 2 groups (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative upper-extremity function in the curettage group was significantly better than that in the segmental resection group. Segmental resection and reconstruction with a large segmental osteoarticular allograft were considered unadvisable. We suggest that extensive curettage should be selected to treat proximal humerus giant cell tumors as much as possible.

Survival, Tumor Recurrence, and Function Following Shoulder Girdle Limb Salvage at 24 to 35 Years of Follow-up

Limb salvage is the treatment of choice for malignant shoulder girdle tumors; however, there is a paucity of data examining the long-term outcome. The authors have previously reported on a cohort of patients at short- and mid-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcome of shoulder reconstruction in terms of oncological and functional outcome. The authors reviewed 53 patients who underwent a limb salvage procedure for treatment of a tumor of the shoulder girdle. At a mean of 28 years following the resection, 76% of surviving patients were contacted and administered functional outcome scores using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage (TESS). The 20-year survival and recurrence-free survival were 79% and 80%, respectively. Likewise, the 20-year revision survival was 75%, with a limb salvage rate of 94%. At last follow-up, the mean MSTS rating and TESS score were 75% and 85%, respectively, with 9 patients having improvement in their MSTS rating from the previous findings. Limb salvage following resection of shoulder girdle tumor resulted in acceptable means of oncological outcome and function. Some patients continued to experience improvements in functional outcome even at late (>20 years) follow-up. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):e514-e520.].

Physeal-preserving endoprosthetic replacement with short segment fixation in children with bone sarcomas

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report the results of custom-made endoprostheses with extracortical plates plus or minus a short, intramedullary stem aimed at preserving the physis after resection of bone sarcomas in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2017, 18 children aged less than 16 years old who underwent resection of bone sarcomas, leaving ≤ 5 cm of bone from the physis, and reconstruction with a custom-made endoprosthesis were reviewed. Median follow-up was 67 months (interquartile range 45 to 91). The tumours were located in the femur in 11 patients, proximal humerus in six, and proximal tibia in one.

RESULTS

The five-year overall survival rate was 78%. No patient developed local recurrence. The five-year implant survival rate was 79%. In all, 11 patients (61%) developed a complication. Seven patients (39%) required further surgery to treat the complications. Implant failures occurred in three patients (17%) including one patient with aseptic loosening and two patients with implant or periprosthetic fracture. The preserved physis continued to grow at mean 3.3 cm (0 to 14). The mean Musculoskeletal Society score was 88% (67% to 97%).

CONCLUSION

Custom-made endoprostheses that aim to preserve the physis are a safe and effective option for preserving physeal growth, limb length, and joint function with an acceptable rate of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1144-1150.

Plate-prosthesis composite reconstruction after large segmental resection of proximal humeral tumors: A retrospective comparative study

Since the standard reconstructive option after large segmental resection of proximal humeral tumors remained controversial, we designed and applied plate-prosthesis composite (PPC) for this circumstance. The purposes of the study were to: compare the functional outcome, implant survival (IS), surgical risk of PPC with those of conventional proximal humeral prosthesis (PHP); and describe the design and reconstructive procedure of PPC.Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females), who received intraarticular proximal humeral resection without preservation of abductor mechanism, were included in this study, with a mean resection length accounting for 72.5% (range, 61.9-81.8%) of whole humeral length. According to the reconstructive options, we categorized patients into PPC group (9 patients) and PHP group (11 patients). PPC was a semi-custom-made endoprosthesis, with modular proximal part same as PHP and custom-made distal part including dumpy stem and composite lateral anatomic plate for distal humerus. The mechanical prosthetic complication was defined as the imaging evidence regardless of reoperation. The IS was defined as the time from surgery to the occurrence of mechanical prosthetic complication.The mean follow-up time was 40.1 months (range, 14-129). The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 scores of PPC and PHP group showed no significant difference (73.3% vs 70.0%, P = .46). Compared to PHP group, PPC group showed significantly lower mechanical prosthetic complication rates (0 vs 45.4%, P = .03) and better IS (86.0 vs 59.3 ± 21.7 months, P = .028). Moreover, the comparison of surgical time (3.2 vs 3.3 hours, P = .60), blood loss (288.9 vs 376.4 mL, P = .15) and perioperative complication rates (11.1% vs 18.2%, P = .58) between 2 groups showed no differences.For reconstruction after large segmental resection of proximal humeral tumors, PPC achieved better IS while maintained similar functional outcome compared to conventional PHP without influencing the complexity and safety of surgery.

Proximal humerus chondrosarcoma.Long-term clinical and oncological outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The proximal humerus is a common site for primary bone sarcomas, of which chondrosarcoma represents 15%. There are few reports about this select group of tumours. We set out to analyse a group of patients with proximal humerus chondrosarcoma treated with surgery and to assess their long term surgical and oncological outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed and all patients with a proximal humerus chondrosarcoma treated with surgery were included in the study. Overall survival and local recurrence rates were analyzed. Post-operative complications were recorded and limb salvage surgery failures classified according to the Henderson classification.

RESULTS

37 patients were included in the study. The median age was 46 years (SD: 15.6, range: 17-24), 24 (65%) were female and the mean follow-up was 8.5 years (SD: 6.4, range: 2 -26). Eighteen patients were classified as grade 1 (49%), 15 as grade 2 (40%), 2 as grade 3 (5%) and 2 dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas (5%). The 10-year overall survival was 94.5% and the 10-year event-free survival was 84.5%. Five patients developed local recurrences (13%) and none of them was grade 1. The reconstruction failure rate was 27% at 5 years and 34% at 10 years. There were no complications or local recurrence in patients treated with curettage.

CONCLUSION

Proximal humerus chondrosarcoma presented high survival rates. Curettage and bone grafting is a safe procedure, with low risk of complications and local recurrence for grade 1 chondrosarcomas and should be the first indication for the proximal humerus. Reconstruction of the proximal humerus after a wide resection has a 5-year failure rate of 27% and 10-year failure rate of 34%.

Validation of the Danish version of the musculoskeletal tumour society score questionnaire

BACKGROUND

The musculoskeletal tumour society score (MSTS) is a well-known questionnaire for measuring functional outcome in patients with neoplasms in the extremities. Standardized guidelines for cross-cultural translation and validation ensure the equivalence of content between the original and translated versions. The translation and validation provide the possibility to compare different sarcoma populations on an international level. This study is based on the hypothesis that the Danish MSTS questionnaire is a valid tool for measuring the end result after surgery for neoplasms in the extremities.

AIM

To validate the Danish version of the upper and lower extremity version of the MSTS.

METHODS

The translation of the MSTS was conducted in accordance with international guidelines. Patients operated for sarcomas and aggressive benign tumors were invited to participate in the study. The psychometric properties of the Danish version of the MSTS were tested in terms of validity and reliability and for the risk of floor or ceiling effect. Spearman’s rank coefficient was used to test the validity by comparing with the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate inter-rater reliability. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal consistency. Spearman’s rank coefficient was used to compare the MSTS lower extremity version with the objective test, Timed Up and Go (TUG).

RESULTS

The upper extremity version demonstrated an ICC of 0.95 in the inter-rater reliability test. The lower extremity version had an ICC of 0.88 in the inter-rater reliability test, respectively. Both MSTS versions showed a ceiling effect. The validity of the MSTS was measured by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient by comparing the MSTS with the TESS and found it to be of 0.80 (P < 0.01) and 0.83 (P < 0.01) for the upper extremity and lower extremity version, respectively. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of - 0.26 (P < 0.01) was found between the TUG and the MSTS questionnaire. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of - 0.38 (P < 0.01) was found between the TUG and the lower extremity version of the TESS questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

The Danish version of the MSTS questionnaires were found to have good reliability and validity, however a substantial ceiling effect was identified.

Surgical and Functional Outcome after Endoprosthetic Reconstruction in Patients with Osteosarcoma of the Humerus

Endoprosthetic reconstruction (EPR) is the most widely used reconstruction technique after humeral osteosarcoma (OSA). Complications are common and function is often compromised due to the premise of wide resection. In the current study we evaluated (1) the risk of complications after resection and EPR; (2) the functional outcome and how it is influenced by the preservation/resection of deltoid muscle (DM), rotator cuff (RC), axillary nerve or the type of resection (intra-/extraarticular) and (3) if the preservation/resection of DM, RC, axillary nerve or the type of resection has a negative influence on the oncological outcome. We retrospectively evaluated data of 49 patients with humeral OSA. All patients underwent resection and EPR. Complication-free survival according to the ISOLS classification was estimated by a competing risk model. Functional outcome was evaluated by range of motion (ROM) in abduction and the MSTS score. Eleven patients (22%) had at least one complication. The estimated cumulative incidence for the first complication was 18% at one year, 23% at five years, and 28% at ten years, respectively. Soft tissue failure was the most common complication. ROM and MSTS scores were significantly higher in patients where DM and RC (p = 0.043/p = 0.046) and axillary nerve (p = 0.014/p = 0.021) could be preserved. Preservation of these structures had no negative influence on the surgical margins. In conclusion, EPR is a good treatment method with an acceptable complication rate. Preservation of the abductor mechanism, when possible in the setting of obtaining negative margins, provides superior functional outcome.

Multimodal Treatment of Bone Metastasis-A Surgical Perspective

Over the past decades there has been an increase in the incidence of cancer worldwide. With the advancement in treatment, patient survival has improved in tandem with the increasing incidence. This, together with the availability of advanced modern diagnostic modalities, has resulted in more cases of metastatic bone disease being identified. Bone metastasis is an ongoing problem and has significant morbidity implications for patients affected. Multimodal treatment strategies are required in dealing with metastatic bone disease, which include both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. In the multidisciplinary team, orthopedic surgeons play an important role in improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Surgical intervention in this setting is aimed at pain relief, restoration of function and improvement in functional independence. In selected cases with resectable solitary metastasis, surgical treatment may be curative. With the advancement of surgical technique and improvement in implant design and manufacture, a vast array of surgical options are available in the modern orthopedic arena. In the majority of cases, limb salvage procedures have become the standard of care in the treatment of metastatic bone disease. Non-surgical adjuvant treatment also contributes significantly to the improvement of cancer patient care. A multidisciplinary approach in this setting is of paramount importance.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty With Proximal Humeral Replacement for the Management of Massive Proximal Humeral Bone Loss

Background

Substantial proximal humeral bone loss may compromise reverse shoulder arthroplasty secondary to limited implant support, insufficient soft tissue tension due to shortening, lack of attachment sites for the posterosuperior cuff when present, and lack of lateral offset of the deltoid. In these circumstances, use of a proximal humeral replacement may be considered.

Patients/Methods

Between 2012 and 2014, 34 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties were performed using a proximal humeral replacement system. The indications were failed shoulder arthroplasty (15), oncology reconstruction (9), humeral malunion/nonunion (7), prior resection arthroplasty (2), and intraoperative fracture (1). All patients were included in the survival analysis. Twenty-two patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were included in analysis of clinical results.

Results

Among the cohort of 34 patients, there were 8 additional reoperations: humeral loosening (3), periprosthetic fracture (2), irrigation and debridement (2), and glenoid loosening (1). Humeral component loosening occurred exclusively in patients undergoing revision shoulder arthroplasty. The 4 patients had an average 3.75 prior procedures before the proximal humeral replacement. Two of the revisions were from cemented to uncemented stems. Among the 23 patients with minimum 2-year follow-up, there was significant improvement in pain scores (4.1 vs 0.6), forward elevation (31 vs 109) degrees, and 81% were satisfied.

Conclusion

Use of a proximal humeral replacement when performing a reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the complex setting of substantial proximal humerus bone loss provides good clinical results and a particularly low dislocation rate. However, the rate of loosening of the humeral component in the revision setting suggests that proximal humeral replacement components should be cemented when revising a previously cemented stem.

IRB

16-006966.

Reverse shoulder endoprosthesis for pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus: a minimum 3-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The Bayley Walker (Stanmore Implants, Elstree, UK) reversed polarity, linked shoulder replacement is designed to provide stable function in the treatment of a painful shoulder with poor soft tissue coverage. We reviewed the results of the prosthesis in destructive pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus at a United Kingdom tumor center.

METHODS

We identified 8 patients (2 men, 6 women) in our database. Clinical information and functional outcome scores were collected, including range of movement, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Score. Radiographs from the last clinic follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 8 patients, 2 were revisions for aseptic loosening around proximal humeral endoprosthetic replacements. Indications for surgery included chondrosarcoma in 4, metastatic disease in 2, Ewing sarcoma in 1, and osteomyelitis in 1. Patients were a mean age at diagnosis of 49 years (range, 16-78 years). One patient died of metastatic disease during follow-up. Mean follow-up was 49 months (range, 36-90 months). At the latest follow-up, there was 100% survivorship using revision as the end point. There were no local recurrences. Three of 5 patients returned to their previous occupation. Neuropathic pain developed in 1 patient postoperatively, but no other postoperative complications were noted. Radiographs showed no progressive lucencies or scapula notching. Mean range of movement at final follow-up was abduction, 62°; forward flexion, 71°; and external and internal rotation, 50°.

CONCLUSION

The Bayley Walker prosthesis gives excellent medium-term survivorship and pain relief in patients with pathologic lesions of the proximal humerus requiring wide local excision.

Partial humeral replacement for peri-prosthetic fractures of the humerus

INTRODUCTION

Treating peri-prosthetic fractures of the humerus can be very challenging, especially when there is poor bone stock and in the presence of adjacent joint prostheses. We discuss the option of a partial humeral replacement as a salvage procedure for such cases with some technical comments.

METHODS

This paper presents a technique which utilises a custom- made cemented connector to incorporate the existing well functioning elbow or shoulder replacement with a commercially available partial humeral replacement (PHR) or to an existing prosthetic humeral stem.

RESULTS

Our series involves 6 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, all female, with a mean age of 62.5 years. Their surgeries were performed over a span of 10 years, with an average follow up of 49 months. All had a well functioning implant at final follow-up, with a mean Mayo Elbow Performance score of 65. There were no cases of infection, nerve injury or dislocation in our patients. There were 2 deaths in our series, from unrelated medical causes at 2 and 4 years following their surgery.

CONCLUSION

Although a partial humeral replacement connected to a well functioning implant is a rare procedure for salvage of a humeral peri-prosthetic fracture, it can be a viable option in certain patient populations. Every attempt should be made to maintain the secondary shoulder stabilisers at the proximal humerus as a functioning unit.

Prognosis-Based Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty After Resection of Proximal Humeral Malignancy

After wide excision of proximal humeral bony malignancy, prognosis-based reconstruction was performed at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Bone prosthesis composite (BPC) was carried out among patients with a favored prognosis, while cement-spacer prosthesis composite (CSPC) was preserved for patients with poor prognosis. The aim of our study is to compare the clinical outcomes between the BPC and CSPC reconstruction procedures. From January 2000 to December 2014, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 34 patients who underwent shoulder hemiarthroplasty following wide excision of a malignant lesion of the proximal humerus, 15 of whom were treated with a BPC reconstruction and 19 cases were treated with a CSPC reconstruction. The mean postoperative follow-up was 51.9 months for the BPC group and 29.0 months for the CSPC group. At the end of the study, four patients (two in the BPC group and two in the CSPC group) developed local recurrence. Thirteen patients (1 in the BPC group and 12 in the CSPC group) had died of disease progression. The postoperative visual analogue scale score of BPC and CSPC groups was similar (P = 0.262). Functional outcome, measured using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score and shoulder range of motion, favored the BPC procedure (P < 0.001). The CSPC procedure, however, had less complication rate, required less operative time, and had a lower volume of intraoperative blood loss than the BPC procedure (P < 0.001). Although functional outcomes are expected to be more favorable with a BPC procedure, the CSPC procedure continues to be a safe and cost-effective shoulder hemiarthroplasty procedure for patients with low-demanding activities and when a poor disease prognosis is expected.

Composite reverse shoulder arthroplasty can provide good function and quality of life in cases of malignant tumour of the proximal humerus

PURPOSE

Management of proximal humeral tumours remains a surgical challenge. No study to date has assessed the quality of life scores following the composite reverse shoulder arthroplasty for this indication. We, therefore, evaluated function and quality of life following reconstruction with allograft for malignant tumour of the humerus.

METHODS

A series of six cases of humeral tumour treated by a single surgeon in a single centre was reviewed after a mean follow-up of 5.9 years. The tumours included two chondrosarcomas, one plasmocytoma and three metastases. Resection involved bone epiphysis, metaphysis and diaphysis in five cases (S3S4S5A) and epiphysis and metaphysis in one case (S3S4A). For reconstruction, an allograft composite reverse shoulder arthroplasty was used in all the cases. Outcomes were assessed with range of motion, the QuickDash score and the Short Form 12 (SF-12) Health Survey. Radiographs assessed osseointegration and complications.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, the mean shoulder range of motion were respectively 95°, 57° and 11° for forward flexion, abduction and external rotation. Mean QuickDASH score improved from 28 to 41 and VAS-pain scores improved from 5.1 to 2.3. The post-operative MSTS score was 73% and the Constant score was 46.1/100. The SF-12 PCS and MCS scores were also improved, respectively from 44.4 and 39.7 to 45.5 and 56.1. The mean satisfaction score was 8.1/10.

CONCLUSIONS

Composite reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable alternative for reconstruction after resection of malignant humeral tumour. Although total tumour resection was the most important objective, the functional and quality of life scores were satisfactory.

Use of Compressive Osseointegration Endoprostheses for Massive Bone Loss From Tumor and Failed Arthroplasty: A Viable Option in the Upper Extremity

BACKGROUND

Endoprostheses using principles of compressive osseointegration have shown good survivorship in several studies involving the lower extremity; however, no series to our knowledge have documented the use of this technology in the management of massive bone loss in the upper limb.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of upper extremity implants using compressive osseointegration fixation principles achieved durable short-term fixation, and what were the modes of failure? (2) What surgical complications resulted from reconstruction using this technique?

METHODS

A multiinstitutional retrospective review identified nine patients (five women; four men) who underwent 13 endoprosthetic replacements between 2003 and 2014 using compressive osseointegration (Compliant^® Pre-stress Device [CPS]; Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN, USA) in the upper extremity, including two proximal humeri, two humeral diaphyses, seven distal humeri, and two proximal ulna. During the early part of that period, the indication for use of a compressive prosthesis in our centers was revision of a previous tumor reconstruction (allograft-prosthetic composite or stemmed endoprosthetic reconstruction) (three patients; five implants), or revision arthroplasty with massive bone loss (three patients, four implants); more recently, indications became somewhat more permissive and included posttraumatic bone loss (one patient, one implant), primary bone sarcoma, and resections with very short remaining end segments after diaphyseal resections (two patients, three implants). Minimum followup was 24 months; one patient (one implant) was lost to followup before that time with the implant intact at 14 months and no patients have died. The mean age of the patients was 45 years (range, 21-62 years). Mean followup was 68 months (range, 24-141 months). Implant revision for any cause and for failure of the CPS mechanism was recorded. Modes of failure were categorized as soft tissue, aseptic loosening, structural, infection, and tumor progression; CPS modes of failure were defined as lack of fixation, with or without bone or implant fracture.

RESULTS

Of the 12 implants accounted for beyond 2 years, six had undergone revision of any kind. Only two revisions in two patients were attributable to lack of CPS fixation at the bone-implant interface; one of the patients also had periprosthetic and implant fracture develop through the traction bar. Other modes of failure were aseptic loosening of the standard ulnar component (two patients, two implants), bushing wear (one patient; one implant) and infection resulting in two-stage exchange and free soft tissue transfer with retention of the CPS spindle (one patient, one implant). Complications for all nine patients included one transient radial nerve palsy, one ulnar nerve sensory neurapraxia, one superficial infection, and two glenohumeral subluxations, one underwent revision surgery with implantation of a constrained liner.

CONCLUSIONS

A compressive osseointegration endoprosthesis is an option for very difficult revisions or sarcoma resection in the upper extremity in which the remaining segment of host bone is too short for a conventional prosthesis. However, surgeons must inform patients that these are salvage operations, and revision surgery is common. Long-term followup of more patients is necessary to further document the survivorship of these implants in the upper extremity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

What is the Optimal Reconstruction Option after the Resection of Proximal Humeral Tumors? A Systematic Review

Purpose:

The proximal humerus is a common location for both primary and metastatic bone tumors. There are numerous reconstruction options after surgical resection. There is no consensus on the ideal method of reconstruction.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed with a focus on the surgical reconstructive options for lesions involving the proximal humerus.

Results:

A total of 50 articles and 1227 patients were included for analysis. Reoperation rates were autograft arthrodesis (11%), megaprosthesis (10%), RSA (17%), hemiarthroplasty (26%), and osteoarticular allograft (34%). Mechanical failure rates, including prosthetic loosening, fracture, and dislocation, were highest in allograft-containing constructs (APC, osteoarticular allograft, arthrodesis) followed by arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty, RSA, megaprosthesis) and lowest for autografts (vascularized fibula, autograft arthrodesis). Infections involving RSA (9%) were higher than hemiarthroplasty (0%) and megaprosthesis (4%).

Postoperative function as measured by MSTS score were similar amongst all prosthetic options, ranging from 66% to 74%, and claviculo pro humeri (CPH) was slightly better (83%). Patients were generally limited to active abduction of approximately 45° and no greater than 90°. With resection of the rotator cuff, deltoid muscle or axillary nerve, function and stability were compromised even further. If the rotator cuff was sacrificed but the deltoid and axillary nerve preserved, active forward flexion and abduction were superior with RSA.

Discussion:

Various reconstruction techniques for the proximal humerus lead to relatively similar functional results. Surgical choice should be tailored to anatomic defect and functional requirements.