Scapulectomy for malignant tumor. Function and shoulder strength in five patients.

Function and muscular strength were studied in five patients who had undergone either total or subtotal scapulectomy for malignant tumor. We found a striking difference in the functional impairment between the two patients with total and the three patients with subtotal scapulectomy. The latter three patients were able to handle light objects with their hands over their heads, and reached or nearly reached the horizontal plane in flexion and abduction of the shoulder. The two patients with total scapulectomy had a flexion and abduction range between 40 and 50 degrees. The mean isometric muscle strength in flexion relative to the non-operated side was 17 and 37 per cent for patients with total and subtotal scapulectomy, respectively, and the abduction strength 14 and 44 per cent, respectively. After scapulectomy, a reasonably good function can be expected, especially if it is possible to preserve the glenoid fossa and/or the acromion.