Hao-Min Cui1, Ya-Ling Yu2, Yu He3, Ling-Zhi Kong2, Cun-Yi Fan4. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. 3. Department of Orthopaedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. 4. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital East Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: cyfan@sjtu.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and oncologic results of elbow salvage surgery using arthrolysis combined with ligament repair and external fixation for reconstruction of the elbow after tumor excision and autografting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with elbow dysfunction associated with giant cell tumor of the distal humerus. All patients were treated with our combined protocol. We assessed the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society system score, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, recurrence, and complications for each patient. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48 months (range, 36-60 months). There were no cases of postoperative fracture, infection, elbow dislocation, elbow stiffness, or local recurrence. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 28 of 30 points (93%; range, 87%-100%). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from a mean of 61 points to 93 points, with mean flexion of 135° and mean extension of 3°. CONCLUSIONS: Local tumor resection, autografting, and elbow reconstruction by arthrolysis combined with ligament repair and external fixation can be performed with oncologic safety and provide satisfactory functional outcomes with low complication rates.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and oncologic results of elbow salvage surgery using arthrolysis combined with ligament repair and external fixation for reconstruction of the elbow after tumor excision and autografting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with elbow dysfunction associated with giant cell tumor of the distal humerus. All patients were treated with our combined protocol. We assessed the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society system score, range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, recurrence, and complications for each patient. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48 months (range, 36-60 months). There were no cases of postoperative fracture, infection, elbow dislocation, elbow stiffness, or local recurrence. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 28 of 30 points (93%; range, 87%-100%). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from a mean of 61 points to 93 points, with mean flexion of 135° and mean extension of 3°. CONCLUSIONS: Local tumor resection, autografting, and elbow reconstruction by arthrolysis combined with ligament repair and external fixation can be performed with oncologic safety and provide satisfactory functional outcomes with low complication rates.