Scapulectomy for the treatment of malignant tumors of the scapula.

Two cases of Tikhor-Linberg resection for rhabdomyosarcoma and malignant chondromyxoid fibroma and two cases of scapulectomy for metastatic disease of the shoulder girdle are reviewed. After resection of the scapula, active motion of the shoulder will be severely restricted, but normal function of elbow, wrist, and hand permit use of the extremity in many activities of daily living. Surgical treatment for metastatic bone disease in the upper extremity and the role of radiation therapy for metastatic bone disease are discussed.