Functional and Oncological Outcome of Total Scapulectomy in the Management of Shoulder Girdle Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and oncological outcome of total scapulectomy in the management of primary malignant bone and soft tissue tumors in and around the shoulder girdle. Eight patients (5 males, 3 females) with an age range of 7-48 years (average = 25.5 years) had undergone total scapulectomy in our centre between 1999 and 2003. Five patients had stage IIB, two stage IB, and one stage III tumors according to Enneking s staging system. The follow- up period ranged from 6 to 48 months. The oncological outcome was assessed and the functional outcome was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) rating scale. Seven patients are still alive, one patient died of disease. Local recurrence was not detected in any of our patients while chest metastases occurred in two (one of them already had it at the time of presentation). The mean functional score was 22.4. The shoulder function was significantly impaired in all cases especially abduction and flexion while the elbow and hand function were completely preserved. It was concluded that total scapulectomy remains a good limb-sparing technique that preserves a functionally useful extremity.