[Interscapular-thoracic amputation].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Malignant tumors of the upper extremities and shoulder girdle present significant treatment challenges.
• Surgical intervention, often amputation, is frequently necessary for these conditions.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the treatment outcomes and prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with malignant tumors of the upper extremities and shoulder girdle.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of interscapular-thoracic amputations and subsequent prosthetic use.
• To recommend improved orthotic and prosthetic devices for invalid rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of treatment results and prostheses in 89 patients diagnosed with various malignant tumors.
• Surgical intervention involving interscapular-thoracic amputations in all cases.
• Evaluation of patient survival rates and functional recovery using custom-developed orthoses and prostheses.

Main Results:

• The study included a diverse range of tumors such as osteogenous sarcomas, chondroid sarcomas, and others.
• The overall survival rate for the cohort was 28.6 +/- 8.3%.
• An orthosis and a modified prosthesis developed at the research institute of prostheses named after prof. G. Albrekht showed promise for rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Interscapular-thoracic amputation is a viable, albeit aggressive, treatment for malignant upper extremity tumors.
• The overall survival rate highlights the severity of these malignancies.
• The developed orthosis and modified prosthesis offer a potential pathway for improved functional rehabilitation and quality of life for affected individuals.