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The usefulness of a three-dimensional printed segmental scapula prosthesis for recovering shoulder function in a
Jong Hoon Park1, Hae Woon Jung2, Woo Young Jang1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine.
Rationale:
Localized chondrosarcoma of the scapula has a favorable long-term survival outcome. Therefore, recovery of shoulder function after surgery is important in middle-aged patients. Currently, three-dimensional (3-D) printing implants can be applied for personalized limb salvage surgery.
Patient Concerns:
A 41-year-old woman with a palpable scapular area presented with shoulder pain for 3 months, which was aggravated during shoulder exercise.
Diagnoses:
Chondrosarcoma at left scapular (Malawer S1, Enniking II B, and grade II chondrosarcoma).
Interventions:
Wide excision for a localized chondrosarcoma at the infrascapular lesion was performed and the resected muscles around the scapula were repaired with a 3-D printed segmental scapula prosthesis for recovery of shoulder function.
Outcomes:
The affected shoulder achieved satisfactory function after operation using the 3-D printed segmental scapula prosthesis at 1 year 6 months after the operation.
Lessons:
The 3-D printed segmental scapula prosthesis is a useful method for shoulder functional recovery in patients with scapula chondrosarcoma.
