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Published on: October 14, 2013
More than 20-year Follow-Up After Vascularised Fibula Head Graft for Oncological Shoulder Joint Reconstruction
Tadahiko Kubo1, Taisuke Furuta2, Mitsuo Ochi2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan kubot@hiroshima-u.ac.jp.
Background:
In our Department, the vascularized fibula head has been the preferred option for proximal humerus reconstruction for approximately 30 years. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the long-term functional outcome for oncological shoulder reconstruction.
Patients And Methods:
The vascularized fibula head was transferred in 3 patients; 2 with giant cell tumor and 1 with low-grade chondrosarcoma. Functional results were evaluated using the rating system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society. We obtained information by means of a telephone questionnaire in 1 patient and by direct examination in 2 patients. The mean follow-up period was 24 years and 4 months.
Results And Conclusion:
Absorption of the transferred fibula head was not observed in any of the examined patients. The mean overall functional rating was 75.6%. Results with regard to pain, positioning of the hand, and manual dexterity were more satisfactory than those of function and lifting ability. The present long-term study demonstrated that the reconstructed shoulder joint was clinically and radiologically maintained for more than 20 years after surgery.
