Functional Outcome of Arthrodesis with a Vascularized Fibular Graft and a Rotational Latissimus Dorsi Flap After Proximal Humerus Sarcoma Resection

The prognosis of humeral sarcomas has improved greatly in the past 20 years. As a result, the challenges for orthopedic oncologists include long-term handicap and local morbidity.

Shoulder reconstruction after the resection of sarcomas with the proximal humerus was evaluated for 55 patients from 1990 to 2007 at two universities. After S34(5)B resections (intra-articular resection of the proximal humerus and the abductor mechanism), the shoulders were reconstructed with arthrodesis, prosthesis, or allograft–prosthesis composites (APC).

At the time of the latest follow-up examination, the average duration of follow-up was 86.73 months for the 39 patients who were still alive and whose limbs were salvaged. The local recurrence rate was 7.27% (4 of 55). Functional evaluation was conducted on the 39 patients who had the postreconstructions: 12 arthrodeses, 17 prostheses, and 10 APC. Statistical analysis showed that the functional score of shoulder reconstruction significantly varied among the three groups by the test of homogeneity of variances with P = 0.222, by analysis of variance with P < 0.01, and by post hoc test (Student–Newman–Keuls) with α = 0.05. Primary arthrodesis resulted in better function and increased strength than the prostheses and the APC. Insertion of an allograft, a vascularized fibular graft, a rotational latissimus dorsi flap, and cancellous autograft bone were the preferred arthrodesis techniques used to achieve fusion and reduce complications.

After resection of the sarcoma with the proximal humerus with the abductor apparatus, shoulder arthrodesis is recommended above other reconstructions for better functional outcome as well as increased strength and capacity to position the hand.