OBJECTIVETo study the effects of the extensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation for the treatment of stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus.

METHODSFrom March 2007 to March 2010, 7 patients with stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus were treated. Among the patients, 3 patients were male and 4 patients were female with a mean age of 34.6 years (ranged, 18 to 49 years). The mean course of disease was 19 months (ranged, 6 to 35 months). All the patients were confirmed to suffer stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus by pathology and X-ray examinations. Clinical manifestations of the patients included persistence aggravated pain of the shoulder, swelling in the proximate arm with obviously tenderness, activity limited of the joint. All the patients were treated with extensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation. CMS and OSIS score system were used to evaluate shoulder function and shoulder stability.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 14 to 35 months, with an average of 17 months. There were no serious complications or recurrence in all cases. One year after the surgery CMS and OSIS score system were 70.7 scores (ranged,63 to 82 scores) and 25.1 scores (ranged, 18 to 29 scores) respectively. According to evaluation for shoulder function, 2 patients got an excellent result and 5 good. According to evaluation of shoulder stability, 1 patient got an excellent result and 6 good.

CONCLUSIONExtensive resection of the tumor-loading segment and artificial humerus head replacement combined with perioperative rehabilitation for the treatment of stage II to III giant cell tumor of bone in the proximal humerus would not only preserve the upper extremity but also preserve the function of upper extremity.