Proximal humerus reconstruction with endoprostheses and polypropylene mesh

Abstract

Objective To investigate the surgical technique,postoperative function and dislocation incidence of proximal humerus reconstruction with metallic endoprostheses and polypropylene knitted nonabsorbable mesh after proximal humeral tumor resection.Methods Twenty patients with proximal humeral tumor were retrospectively reviewed.They were performed proximal humerus reconstruction with proximal humeral prosthesis and polypropylene knitted non-absorbable mesh from February 2006 to January 2009.There were 5 women and 7 men with a mean age of 38 years(range,21-55 years)at the time of surgery,and giant cell tumor in 9 patients(including Campanacci Ⅱ for 3,Campanacci Ⅲ for 6),osteosarcoma in 1(Enneking ⅡB).and chondrosarcoma in 2 (Enneking ⅡA).The operative time,blood loss,and shoulder movement postoperation were analysed.According to the assessment system by MSTS,the function of limb after surgery was assessed.Results Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 24 months (mean,35 months;range,24-52 months).The mean operative time was 172 min(range,150-200min).The mean blood loss was 254 ml (range,150-500 ml).There were no shoulder dislocations at final follow-up.The mean shoulder flexion was 41°(range,20°-60°)and mean shoulder abduction was 42°(range,20°-70°).The mean postoperative functional assessment score of the limb was 66%(range,53%-77%).None of the Datients had a wound infection,traction neuropraxia or died after the surgical procedure.Conclnsion The data suggests that the use of a polypropylene knitted non-absorbable mesh for proximal humerus reconstruction may reduce dislocations and facilitate soft tissue attachment after tumor resection. Key words: Humerus; Shoulder joint; Prostheses and implants; Shoulder dislocation