Reconstruction of the proximal humerus by combined use of extracorporeally-irradiated osteochondral graft and free vascularized fibula following resection of Ewing sarcoma.

Abstract

Reconstruction of the proximal humerus following limb-saving resection of malignant bone tumor is extremely challenging. We describe here a novel anatomical reconstruction technique in a young patient. A 6-year-old girl with Ewing sarcoma of the proximal humerus was treated by wide excision of the tumor followed by reconstruction with extracorporeally-irradiated osteoarticular autograft combined with an intramedullary inserted free vascularized fibula graft. Proper alignment of the shoulder joint was maintained with no osteoarthritic changes after 16 months. The resulting limb function was satisfactory. This biological reconstruction method was safe and without serious complication. It is indicated for the reconstruction of non-weight-bearing joints and is ideal for the proximal humerus.