Microwave-induced hyperthermia in situ in the treatment of tumors of proximal humerus: long-term results with functionary sparing surgery

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the indications, feasibility, clinical effectiveness and complications of the treatment with microwave in situ inactivation followed by curettage and bone grafting assisted with internal fixation, for the proximal humerus tumors.MethodsThe clinical data of 49 patients with primary or metastatic tumor of the proximal humerus who received intraoperative microwave inactivation in situ with curettage and bone grafting in our hospital from May 2008 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThere were 25 males and 24 females, with an average age of 57.6 +/- 19.9 years (range, 20-81). All patients were followed up for 7 to 146 months, with an average period of 69.2 +/- 39.8 months. Up to the last follow-up, 14 patients died. The 5-year overall survival was 67.3%, and 5-year tumor-specific survival was 71.4%. The 5-year tumor-specific survival rates were 100% for aggressive benign tumors or low potential malignancy tumors, 70.1% for primary malignancies, and 36.9% for metastatic tumors. The average preoperative MSTS, constant-Murley and VAS scores were 16.81 +/- 3.85, 62.71 +/- 12.56 and 6.75 +/- 2.47, which were all significantly improved at 6 weeks after operation and at the final follow-up (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMicrowave inactivation in situ and curettage and bone grafting are a feasible treatment for tumors of proximal humeral, especially for malignant tumors and metastases, without the necessity of the replacement of the shoulder, with little trauma and good upper limb function, and with low local recurrence and distant metastasis.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the indications, feasibility, clinical effectiveness and complications of microwave inactivation in situ combined with curettage and bone grafting for proximal humerus tumors. The results showed that this treatment is feasible for proximal humerus tumors, especially malignant and metastatic tumors, without the need for shoulder replacement, with minimal trauma, good upper limb function, and low rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis.