[Clinical analysis of prosthesis replacement for proximal humerus tumors]

To explore surgical strategies, functions and prognosis of artificial prosthesis replacement and soft tissue reconstruction for patients with invasive benign or primary malignant proximal humerus tumor.

A total of 17 patients with invasive benign or primary malignant proximal humerus tumor underwent prosthetic replacement after segment bone tumor resection and soft tissues reconstruction from April 2007 to April 2014 were enrolled. Based on histological types, tumor stages and surgical procedures, the effects of artificial prosthesis replacement and soft tissue reconstruction on prognosis and shoulder joint function were evaluated.

All patients were followed up for 8 to 96 months (average time: 58.9 months). Among 11 patients with primary malignant tumor, 5 died of tumor recurrence or metastasis, and 6 showed tumor-free survival for 24 to 91 months (average time: 54.83 months). The 6 patients with aggressive benign tumors survived for 39 to 96 months, with an average of 72.33 months. The shoulder joint function of 17 patients recovered to 64.88% of normal. There were significant differences in the shoulder joint function between the patients who underwent half shoulder replacement and those who underwent total shoulder replacement (56.25% vs 72.56%, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the shoulder joint function between the patients who underwent Type I A excision (retention of abductor muscles and rotator cuff) and those who underwent Type I B excision (68.75% vs 61.44%, P<0.05).

The survival of patients with invasive benign or primary malignant proximal humerus, who underwent artificial prosthesis replacement and soft tissue reconstruction, is closely related to tumor types. The shoulder joint function is associated with the methods of prosthesis replacement and soft tissue resection.