Limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus: Outcome in 17 dogs

Objective-To describe function and identify factors that affect outcome in dogs undergoing limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma (OS) of the proximal humerus. Study Design-A retrospective study of dogs in which OS of the proximal humerus was treated with limb salvage surgery. Animals-17 client-owned dogs. Methods: Records were analyzed for functional outcome, recurrence, metastasis, and survival. Results-Outcome was good to excellent in 12% of dogs. Recurrence, metastasis, and survival were significantly affected by completeness of surgical margins. Double plating of the distal allograft-host junction significantly reduced frequency of biomechanical failure. Conclusions-Limb salvage surgery for OS of the proximal humerus did not result in acceptable function and was fraught with postoperative complications. Outcome was significantly affected by completeness of surgical margins. Clinical Relevance-Limb salvage surgery for OS of the proximal humerus in dogs cannot be recommended until improvement in functional outcome and reduction in postoperative complications can be achieved. The dependence of outcome on completeness of surgical margins supports aggressive en bloc resection and marking and evaluating surgical margins. (C) Copyright 1998 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.