Function after amputation, arthrodesis, or arthroplasty for tumors about the shoulder

A patient with a malignant tumor of the proximal end of the humerus or glenoid may be treated with limb-sparing resection or with amputation. Although the oncologic and functional characteristics of shoulder amputations have been documented, little has been written comparing reconstructive options following limb salvage and amputation about the shoulder. This article reviews oncologic and functional outcome of patients who have had a malignant skeletal tumor adjacent to the shoulder and who have been treated with amputation or limb salvage combined with arthrodesis or an allograft/prosthetic reconstruction.