Use of Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System tube in stabilization of proximal humeral endoprostheses.

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.