Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the early results of gleno-humeral reconstruction after tumour excision with a new design of endoprosthesis.
The prosthesis is a fixed fulcrum gleno-humeral replacement consisting of a hydroxyapatite (HA) coated glenoid component with a polyethylene liner and a cemented stem with HA coated collar. Between 1997 and 2000 we inserted the prosthesis into 15 patients with primary bone tumours of the proximal humerus. There were nine males and six females with a mean age of 38 years (range: 8–71 years). Twelve stems were cemented and three uncemented. Two skeletally immature patients had an extendible stem inserted, one subsequently having a successful lengthening procedure. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range: 12–41 years). Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MTS) scoring system.
There were two early dislocations and one superficial wound infection. Three patients died of their disease and one underwent forequarter amputation for local recurrence. The remaining eleven had satisfactory functional outcomes with a mean MTS score of 81%. Radiologically there has been no evidence of early loosening. Microscopic analysis of the components in the amputated arm showed excellent osseointegration around the HA coated components.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Roger Emery. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
