Resection therapy of malignant tumours of the shoulder girdle

Based on 30 resections in the shoulder region, operation techniques and results are precisely described with a view to curing and functioning. In the case of radical resections the rate of recurrences and cures in patients are the same as the rate of ablations. As the function of the hand is not impaired, this is a considerable advantage over amputations, although the cosmetic result of a resection may appear insufficient. In humerus resections bending contractures may frequently occur in the elbow joint and previous radiation may occasionally cause interior decubitus and exculceration. With an endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerous complications may be avoided, as experience with ceramic implants proved in 3 cases.