Shoulder girdle resection: surgical technique modification and introduction of a new classification system

Ahmad ShehadehEmail author View ORCID ID profile,
Ahmad Ja’afar,
Ula Isleem,
Anas Hamad and
Ahmed Salem

World Journal of Surgical Oncology201917:107

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-019-1636-2

Received: 8 December 2018
Accepted: 23 May 2019
Published: 18 June 2019

Abstract

Objective

Different classification systems for surgical tumor resections in the proximal humerus and scapula have been described, but none are specific or have been recently revised. The purpose of this article is to report modified surgical techniques and a new classification system for resections in the humerus and scapula.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with shoulder girdle bone tumors were operated upon. Two separate new classifications were assigned to resections in the humerus (types I–IV) and scapula (types I–III). An annotation is added to signify deltoid preservation (A) or sacrifice (B). Modified surgical techniques were devised.

Results

For extra-articular resections of the proximal humerus, we show that sacrificing the acromion and coracoid process is not required. Preservation of these structures can improve cosmetic shoulder outcome. For tumors with no large medial component, we show that there is no need to detach the muscle attachment from the coracoid process allowing earlier elbow extension postoperatively. After a mean follow-up period of 46 months, only two patients developed local recurrence. Postoperative infection was seen in two and stem loosening in one patient. The average MSTS functional score for all patients was 83%.

Conclusion

Our modified surgical techniques saved structures which were unnecessarily resected with no advantage in surgical series. We reserved the integrity of more muscular tissues and attachments leading to less restriction during the rehabilitation process. This new classification system is realistic, easy to implement, and applicable to all patients.