Extirpation of Humerus and Endoprosthetics in Total and Subtotal Tumor and Tumor-Like Lesions as the Alternative to Amputation

The experience of operative treatment of 31 patients with total and subtotal tumor and tumor-like lesions of humerus for the period from 1967 to 1997 is presented. The perfection of total humerus replacement is reflected in chronological order on the materials of the Clinic of Bone Pathology, CITO, Moscow. The indications to extirpation are given. The peculiarities of operative technique and the elaboration of design of endoprosthesis to reduce the duration of operation and to improve the functional results are described. In 31 patients results of total replacement of humerus are given. In spite of high percentage of postoperative complications (infection - 6.5%, postoperative neuritis - 3,2, dislocation of endoprosthesis - 6.5%, relapse of the disease - 22.6%) endoprosthesis is an adequate operation improving the quality of life of patients.