Excellent shoulder function is attainable after partial or total scapulectomy. Analysis at prolonged follow-up

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Primary sarcomas of the shoulder girdle are rare and often require extensive surgical resection.
• Scapulectomy, the removal of the scapula, is a complex procedure with significant functional implications.
• Evaluating functional outcomes after scapulectomy is crucial for patient recovery and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess functional outcomes and daily living skills in patients who underwent scapulectomy for primary sarcomas.
• To compare the functional impact of partial scapulectomy versus scapulectomy with glenoid fossa resection.
• To establish a comprehensive postoperative evaluation method for these patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of six primary sarcoma cases requiring scapulectomy at the National Cancer Institute over 13 years.
• Functional evaluation including muscle group testing, assessment of daily living skills, and disease status evaluation for five patients.
• Development of a standardized postoperative assessment protocol.

Main Results:

• Patients undergoing partial scapulectomy demonstrated excellent shoulder function.
• Significant functional impairment was observed in patients with the additional loss of the glenoid fossa.
• A thorough postoperative evaluation method was established.

Conclusions:

• Partial scapulectomy can lead to favorable shoulder function in primary sarcoma cases.
• Preservation of the glenoid fossa is critical for maintaining shoulder function.
• Multidisciplinary involvement, including rehabilitation therapists, is essential for optimal pre- and postoperative management.