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Endoprosthetic replacement of the humerus combined with trapezius and latissimus dorsi transfer: a report of three patients

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Abstract

Introduction

To improve the functional outcome after proximal and/or total humerus replacement, we combined the surgical procedures described by Bateman and Gerber.

Materials and methods

In three patients after wide tumor resection, endoprosthetic replacement with a modular tumor endoprosthesis (MUTARS System) was performed. In addition to a capsular and muscular reconstruction using the Trevira tube, a trapezius transfer onto the Trevira tube in combination with a latissimus dorsi transfer onto the Trevira tube was performed. The patients were immobilized for 6 weeks after surgery with an abductor cast.

Results

After a follow-up of 1 year, there was no significant improvement of the shoulder function in comparison with patients who did not undergo the combined muscle transfer (control group n=16: mean abduction 37.5°; mean anteversion 35.0°; mean internal rotation 15.2°; mean external rotation 25.2°).

Conclusion

In our patients, the combination of the Gerber and the Bateman procedures did not improve the shoulder function in patients with proximal and/or total humerus replacements. Therefore, the functional results do not justify two separate approaches and a prolonged operation time.

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Correspondence to G. Gosheger.

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Gosheger, G., Hardes, J., Ahrens, H. et al. Endoprosthetic replacement of the humerus combined with trapezius and latissimus dorsi transfer: a report of three patients. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 125, 62–65 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-004-0713-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-004-0713-2

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