Reconstruct the proximal radius with iliac graft and elastic intramedullary nail fixation after tumor resection

BACKGROUND: This study aims to introduce a novel technique in treating benign bone tumors of the proximal radius by elastic intramedullary nail fixation and iliac graft after tumor resection. METHOD: In this retrospective case series, the treatment outcomes of 17 patients with benign bone tumor involving the proximal radius were reported from January 2010 to August 2014. All the patients received reconstruction surgery with iliac graft and elastic intramedullary nail fixation after tumor resection. Pain scoring was assessed using the 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The quality of life scoring was assessed using the SF-30 scoring system. In addition, functional outcome was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16 months (range, 10–22). The average bone consolidate time was 19.2 weeks (range, 16–24 weeks). The pre- and postoperative pain scores were 5.47 ± 1.58 and 1.18 ± 0.39, respectively. The pain symptom was significantly ameliorated after the operation (t = 13.50, p < 0.01). The pre- and postoperative and the quality of life scores were 48.29 ± 6.58 and 77.47 ± 5.89, respectively; the quality of life score was dramatically improved (t = −20.11, p < 0.01). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 83.41 % (range, 63–93 %) and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 14.1 (range, 5.8–38.3). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the application of iliac graft and elastic intramedullary nail fixation after excision of lesions might be associated to a significant reduction of the pain and improvement of QOL (quality of life) and limb function of patients with benign bone tumors of proximal radius.