Abstract
Aims: The authors reported an original technique for proximal humerus reconstruction followed tumor resection using a delta composite prosthesis. Seven patients undergoing this technique Technique: Proximal humeral resection was conducted usually. The host tendons of rotator cuff were resected; the deltoid muscle must be preserved. The glenosphere was inserted with three screws. A long humeral stem was used to provide a distal anchorage of 10 cm; this stem was cemented into the allograft and into the humerus host. The patient was immobilized in 90¡ of abduction during 6 weeks. Results: 7 patients aged 38 to 56 years, who presented a chondro-sarcoma or an osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up was 20 months (6 to 24). None patient presented with pain and the mean of active abduction was 120¡. No local or general recurrence was detected. Discussion: The Delta prosthesis of Gramon is usually used for shoulder arthritis with rotator cuff rupture. In our experience, reconstruction of the proximal humerus with composite prosthesis provides good functional results but after 3 years, a graft resorption was observed and the functional results decrease. The delta prosthesis could provide good functional results without reconstruction of the rotator cuff. In our technique, we sutured the rotator cuff to avoid dislocation. However, the glenoid þxation is incertain for a long term because its a constrained prosthesis. This technique could be used when the deltoid muscle can be preserved.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
