Upper extremity function after conservative interscapulo-thoracic tumor resection

Six patients who had undergone an en bloc interscapulo-thoracic excision (for primary bone or soft tissue sarcoma in five, and metastatic disease in one) were subject to review, with special emphasis on the functional outcome of the operated arm. Active shoulder motion was poor in all patients, but this did not prevent passive positioning of the hand and elbow. Elbow and particularly hand function was either not, or only slightly, impaired so that two patients regained full use of their upper extremity. Three patients had satisfactory but impaired function and one with metastatic disease of the should had a poor functional outcome.