Published online Apr 18, 2016. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v7.i4.265
Peer-review started: October 20, 2015
First decision: December 7, 2015
Revised: January 11, 2016
Accepted: January 27, 2016
Article in press: January 29, 2016
Published online: April 18, 2016
Processing time: 176 Days and 17.4 Hours
AIM: To review outcomes following usage of the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS®) in shoulder tumors.
METHODS: Medical records of nineteen patients (19 shoulders) that underwent tumor excisional procedure and reconstruction with the LARS synthetic fabric, were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS: Patients’ median age was 58 years old, while the median length of resection was 110 mm (range 60-210 mm). Compared to immediate post-operative radiographs, the prosthesis mean end-point position migrated superiorly at a mean follow up period of 26 mo (P = 0.002). No statistical significant correlations between the prosthesis head size (P = 0.87); the implant stem body length (P = 0.949); and the length of resection (P = 0.125) with the position of the head, were found at last follow up. Two cases of radiological dislocation were noted but only one was clinically symptomatic. A minor superficial wound dehiscence, healed without surgery, occurred. There was no evidence of aseptic loosening either, and no prosthetic failure.
CONCLUSION: LARS® use ensured stability of the shoulder following endoprosthetic reconstruction in most patients.
Core tip: Endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus for tumor resection offers predictable outcome. In an attempt to optimize functional scores, the use of Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) tubes was facilitated. Our retrospective analysis revealed that LARS was not associated with specific complications. Its ability to ensure shoulder stability was good, albeit not perfect. Superior migration of the humeral head was common over time.