En bloc resection and prosthesis implantation to treat malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the humerus.

BACKGROUND: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the bone is a rare tumor. Most studies comparing limb salvage and amputation have reported that limb salvage had no adverse effect on the long-term survival of patients. This study evaluates the oncological outcomes of limb salvage procedures that were used for 15 patients with MFH of the humerus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the functional and oncological outcomes of patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the humerus after en bloc resection and prosthesis implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the charts of 15 patients who had undergone resection of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the humerus followed by reconstruction with prosthesis was used in this study. A functional evaluation was based on Enneking's modified system of the functional evaluation of surgical management for musculoskeletal tumors. Complications of the procedures were also analyzed.

RESULTS: Eight men and 7 women at an average age of 52.9 years were included in the study. The tumor involved the distal humerus in 3 patients, the proximal humerus in 8 patients and the mid-shaft humerus in 4 patients. Excellent results were achieved in 4 patients, good to fair in 10 and poor in 1. One patient had local recurrence. Pulmonary metastases occurred in 6 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Limb salvage surgery with chemotherapy is a viable treatment option for patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the humerus.