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The functional and oncological results after scapulectomy for scapular tumours: 2–16-year results

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Abstract

Twenty-five patients underwent scapulectomy for various tumours between 1989 and 2005. We describe 23 patients with scapular tumours who were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years after scapulectomy. The average age was 29 years, and two-thirds of the patients were male. Nineteen patients had malignant neoplasms, of which chondrosarcoma was most common, followed by Ewing’s sarcoma. Surgical staging was by Enneking’s system, with stage IIB being the most frequent. Fifteen patients underwent total scapulectomy, and the rest had their glenoid retained. With an average follow-up period of 66.7 months (23–202 months), functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated for all patients. Two patients had superficial wound infections requiring antibiotics, and one had skin necrosis requiring skin cover. Functional outcome was satisfactory in 13 patients. Cosmetically and emotionally acceptable surgery, scapulectomy made 19 patients continuously disease free, while four patients died of disease. The 5-year survival rate of 19 patients with malignant tumours was 75.9%. Retention of the glenohumeral articulation (subtotal) resection gives superior functional results.

Résumé

Etude de 23 patients opérés par scapulectomie pour tumeur entre 1989 et 2005 et suivi au minimum 2 ans. L’âge moyen était de 29 ans et 2/3 des patients étaient des hommes. La tumeur était maligne chez 19 patients, le chondrosarcome étant le plus frequent suivi par le sarcome d’Ewing. Le stade chirurgical était noté selon le système de Enneking, et le stade II B était le plus frequent. Quinze patients avaient une scapulectomie totale, les autres avaient la glène conservée. Avec un suivi moyen de 66,7 mois (23–202), le devenir fonctionnel et oncologique était évalué pour tous les patients. Deux patients avaient une infection superficielle et un autre une nécrose cutanée nécessitant une couverture chirurgicale. L’évolution fonctionnelle était favourable pour 13 patients. Esthétiquement et émotionnellement acceptable ces scapulectomies avaient pour résultats 19 patients indemnes de maladie tandis que 4 décédaient de la maladie. La survie à 5 ans des 19 patients avec tumeur maligne était de 75,9%. La scapulectomie sub-totale avec conservation de la glène donnait de meilleurs résultats fonctionnels.

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Correspondence to N. Mayil Vahanan.

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Mayil Vahanan, N., Mohanlal, P., Bose, J.C. et al. The functional and oncological results after scapulectomy for scapular tumours: 2–16-year results. International Orthopaedics (SICO 31, 831–836 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0261-1

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