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

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.

Functional Outcomes and Shoulder Instability in Reconstruction of Proximal Humerus Metastases

(1) Background: Some of the goals of orthopedic surgical oncology are saving limbs and function. The humerus is the third most frequent site in primary tumors and one of the most involved sites for metastases. Prosthetic replacement with modular megaprosthesis is one of the treatment choices, but there are several types of complications, such as problems with function and pain. The aim of our study is to assess functional outcomes and shoulder instability in the reconstruction of proximal humerus metastases. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Twenty-eight patients, with proximal humerus metastases, admitted to the department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of our University Hospital between 2014 and 2022 were recruited. Each patient underwent resection and prosthetic replacement surgery with modular megaprosthesis. Clinical evaluation was assessed through MSTS score, WOSI index, and DASH score. (3) Results: Twenty patients were included in the study. Fairly good results, especially regarding pain, function, and emotional acceptance, were obtained in all three tests: DASH, MSTS, and WOSI. Patients who reported shoulder instability actually have worse outcomes than those who report having stable shoulders. In addition, patients with a resection >10 cm have worse outcomes than those who had a resection of 10 cm. No significant differences were found between the deltopectoral approach group and the lateral approach group. (4) Conclusions: Reconstructive surgery with megaprosthesis of the proximal humerus in patients with metastases can be considered a treatment option, especially in patients with pathological fractures or injuries with a high risk of fracture and good life expectancy. This study shows how this type of surgery affects instability, but in terms of functionality, pain, and patient satisfaction, it gives satisfactory results.

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.