RESULTS WITH THE ISOELASTIC SHOULDER PROSTHESIS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TUMORS OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS

Background: In order to evaluate our experience with the isoelastic sh oulder prosthesis in primary and secondary tumors of the proximal hume rus, subjective and functional results were examined and survival rate s calculated in the present study. Material and Methods: An isoelastic shoulder prosthesis was implanted in 37 patients with tumors of the p roximal humerus. Preoperatively and 8 weeks after surgery all patients were given a systematic examination, where pain and movement were eva luated and X-rays taken from the anterior-posterior and axial views. T hose patients who were not registered dead in the Central Tumor Record or in our own documents were requested in for a retrospective follow- up. The complete outcome in all 37 patients is known. Results: Eight w eeks following surgery only 19% of all patients still had severe or mo derate pain, in contrast to 98% preoperatively; movability of the shou lder was sufficient for functions of daily living. Patients with secon dary tumors showed a median survival of 1 year, those with primary tum ors of 7 years. Conclusions: In primary tumors correct surgical resect ion with endoprosthetic replacement allows avoidance of an amputation. In secondary tumors pain and function can be improved considerably.