Total Humeral Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Total humeral endoprosthetic reconstruction (THER) is a rare reconstruction option for limb salvage surgery for large humeral neoplasms or bone destruction.

Materials and methods: Because of the limited data and need for this procedure, we reviewed the literature surrounding THER and assessed functionality, complications, and revisions using the PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Scopus databases.

Results: Among 29 articles and 175 patients, the most common indication was neoplasm (n=25, 86%), mean follow-up was 61.98 months (SD=55.25 months), and mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 73.64% (SD=10.69%). Reported complications included 26 (23%) revisions in 7 studies, 35 (36%) cases of shoulder instability in 7 studies, and 13 (13.54%) cases of deep infection in 4 studies.

Conclusion: THER should be considered with a thorough knowledge of outcomes and potential complications to guide patient and clinician expectations. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):e106-e113.].