[Complication management following resection and reconstruction of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle]

Sarcomas of the upper limbs commonly affect the proximal humerus or scapula. Complications after tumor resection and reconstruction are rare but cannot be neglected, particularly after tumor endoprosthetic reconstructions.

The most common complications after resection of sarcomas of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle are described, and current knowledge regarding complication management is presented. Additionally, a selective literature search was performed, incorporating personal experiences.

Wound healing disorders and infections after tumor resection without specific reconstruction (clavicle resection, scapulectomy) usually respond well to conservative or surgical treatment. However, periprosthetic infections after reconstruction using a megaendoprosthesis constitute a severe and frequent complication, with an incidence of 5-10%. Two-stage implant replacement still represents the gold standard, although in selected cases, one-stage revision with retention of the prosthetic stem appears warranted. Secondary amputation as a result of periprosthetic infection is rare compared to the situation with infections of the lower limb. Mechanical complications necessitating surgical revision are mostly limited to joint dislocation after inverse total shoulder replacement (TSR). (Sub)luxation in anatomic TSR can be tolerated provided there is no tendency toward perforation of the skin in a asymptomatic patient. Biological reconstructions are most often indicated for reconstruction of intercalary defects of the humerus, and revision is necessitated most frequently by mechanical complications. Despite multiple surgical revisions, stable reconstructions and limb salvage can usually be achieved in the upper limb.