Use of Vascularized Fibular Epiphyseal Transfer with Massive Bone Allograft for Proximal Humeral Reconstruction in Children with Bone Sarcoma

Background The vascularized fibula epiphyseal transfer provides a reconstructive option for longitudinal growth after oncologic resection of the proximal humerus in pediatric patients. However, postoperative fractures and poor shoulder function are common. The purpose of this review was to introduce a composite approach in oncologic reconstruction of the proximal humerus and assess its clinical outcomes. Methods We retrospectively investigated five children (3 osteosarcoma and 2 Ewing's sarcoma) who underwent biological reconstruction with combination of vascularized fibula epiphyseal transfer and massive bone allograft after oncologic resection of the proximal humerus. The mean follow-up was 46.8 months. Results All patients were alive at the last follow-up. There was no graft fracture, hardware failure, or infection. The mean time of osseous union was 2.9 months at fibula-humerus junction and 6.2 months at allograft-humerus junction. Hypertrophy and axial growth were evident in all, except one patient who has avascular necrosis of the fibula head. The mean hypertrophy index was 51.5%, and the mean growth was 4.4 mm per annum. The mean arm discrepancy was 4.6 cm. All reconstruction was in situ with the average abduction of 113 degrees and forward flexion of 69 degrees. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 85.4% at the final follow-up. All patients experienced dropped foot and resolved spontaneously. Conclusions The combination of vascularized fibula epiphyseal transfer with massive allograft bone provides a reliable oncologic reconstruction of proximal humerus in children. It not only offers the ability of longitudinal growth, hypertrophy, and osseous union but also diminishes reconstructive complications and improves shoulder function.

Automated summary

The combination of vascularized fibula epiphyseal transfer with massive allograft bone provides a reliable oncologic reconstruction of proximal humerus in children, offering longitudinal growth, hypertrophy, and osseous union while decreasing reconstructive complications and improving shoulder function. The study retrospectively investigated five pediatric patients who underwent this composite approach, finding positive outcomes with improved growth and shoulder function postoperatively.