Abstract
Abstract
Background
Reconstruction following resection of sarcomas of the upper extremity with methods described in the prevalent literature may not be possible in few selected cases. We describe Surgical Phocomelia or Phoco-reduction as a method of limb salvage in such cases of extensive sarcomas of the upper limb with its functional and oncological outcomes.
Methods
Evaluation of functional and oncological outcomes was performed for 11 patients who underwent surgical phocomelia or phocoreduction for extensive sarcomas of the upper limb between 2010 and 2019.
Results
Mean follow-up period in the study was27.8 months. Five patients required a segmental resection including the entire humerus while 6 patients underwent segmental resection around the elbow with a mean resection length of 21.5 cm. Mean MSTS 93 score was 22 depicting a good functional outcome. Mean hand grip strength on the operated side was 62% of the contralateral side with preservation of useful hand function. Mean time to humero-ulnar union was 6.7 months. Radial nerve palsy and implant failure occurred in 1 patient each. No patient developed local recurrence while 3 patients died of metastasis.
Conclusion
Surgical phocomelia is a prudent alternative to severely incapacitating amputations in situations where other reconstruction methods are not feasible.
