Reverse shoulder replacement after resection of the proximal humerus for bone tumours

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Proximal humerus tumors often necessitate limb-sparing surgery.
• Reverse shoulder replacement (RSR) is a reconstructive option following tumor resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional outcomes of RSR in patients treated for proximal humerus tumors.
• To assess the range of motion, functional scores, and complications associated with RSR in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 16 patients undergoing RSR after proximal humerus tumor removal (1998-2011).
• Functional outcomes assessed via range of motion, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).
• Analysis of complications including infection, loosening, and dislocation.

Main Results:

• Ten patients were available for a mean follow-up of 46 months.
• Mean active range of motion: abduction 78°, flexion 98°, external rotation 32°, internal rotation 51°.
• Mean MSTS score was 77%, mean TESS score was 70%. Complications included infections (3), loosening (2), and dislocation (1). Deltoid muscle atrophy was noted in all patients.

Conclusions:

• Reverse shoulder replacement provides acceptable functional results for patients with proximal humerus tumors.
• While complications can occur, RSR is a viable reconstructive option in this challenging oncological setting.