Proximal Humerus Tumors

The humerus is primarily affected in approximately 10 % of patients by primary bone tumors. Furthermore, the proximal humerus is a preferred location of metastatic invasion for breast carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. Limb salvage surgery is indicated for these patients if a functional limb remains after tumor resection and if the patient’s general condition permits surgery. For the shoulder, the majority of resections involve a type I or V according to Malawer’s classification. Restoration of shoulder function after proximal humeral resection for oncological reasons is still a challenge. In most oncological cases, resection of the rotator cuff is necessary to obtain eradication of the tumor. For these patients, reverse shoulder arthroplasty can provide durable midterm function. The location of the tumor determines whether a reversed arthroplasty in combination with a transfer of the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscle can be used to overcome the problem of insufficient external rotation strength after rotator cuff resection.