Clinical Outcome of Reconstruction Using Frozen Autograft for a Humeral Bone Tumor.

BACKGROUND: We developed a frozen autograft technique in which a tumor-bearing bone was treated with liquid nitrogen for reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of this technique after resection of humeral bone tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients were included in the study. The freezing range was classified into 2 groups, depending on whether the joint surface of the humeral head was frozen.

RESULTS: In the joint freezing group, the mean active shoulder abduction and flexion were 43.8° and 55.0°, and the mean International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) score was 70.8%. In the joint preservation group, the mean active shoulder abduction and flexion were 130° and 132°, and the mean ISOLS score was 90.8%. Progressive and massive bone absorption was seen in 3 cases.

DISCUSSION: Reconstruction using frozen autograft after resection of humeral bone tumor is our preferred option, especially in shoulder joint preservation surgery.