Scapular allografts. A report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Malignant scapular tumors often necessitate limb-sparing surgery, including partial or total scapulectomy.
• Resection of the glenoid or total scapulectomy can lead to significant functional impairment and poor cosmetic outcomes.
• Current reconstructive options may not fully address the complex biomechanical and aesthetic challenges of scapular defects.

Observation:

• This report details the use of massive osteoarticular allografts in two patients undergoing scapular reconstruction.
• One patient received an allograft for glenoid resection, while the other underwent total scapulectomy with allograft replacement.
• The study documents the surgical procedures and subsequent outcomes in terms of shoulder stability, cosmesis, and function.

Findings:

• Scapular glenoid allografts provided a reasonably good biologic replacement, minimizing functional impairment.
• Good shoulder stability, cosmesis, and function were restored in the patient who underwent glenoid portion resection.
• Shoulder stability, cosmesis, and limited function were achieved in the patient following total scapulectomy.

Implications:

• Scapular allografts represent a promising reconstructive technique for scapular defects following oncologic resection.
• This approach may enhance functional recovery and aesthetic results in patients with challenging scapular tumors.
• The findings suggest a potential new avenue for managing scapular defects, with no prior literature on scapular allografts.