SCAPULOHUMERAL ARTHRODESIS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC PROXIMAL HUMERAL LOSS USING VASCULARIZED FIBULAR TRANSPLANTATION AND ALLOGRAFT BONE

ABSTRACT

Loss of the proximal humerus following trauma or tumor ablation results in tremendous functional impairment because of the inability to position the hand in space. Although scapulohumeral athrodesis is described in the literature, insufficient follow-up has prevented full appreciation of functional outcome and patient satisfaction. This report describes favorable restoration of upper extremity function in two patients who sustained traumatic injuries to the proximal humerus following scapulohumeral arthrodesis. In both cases, vascularized fibula transplantation and allograft bone were used, and pedicled latissimus muscle transfers were required for soft-tissue closure.