Surgical management of renal cancer metastasis in the humerus: novel use of a trabecular metal spacer.

Humeral metastases from renal cell carcinoma are not uncommon. Current surgical practice centres around adequate tumour resection, but often at the expense of functional outcome. The use of trabecular metal (TM) implants is well described in spine and joint surgery. However, their use as a reconstruction device in osseous tumour surgery has yet to be reported. We present our experience in using a TM vertebral body replacement device (VBR) in treating a patient with painful bilateral diaphyseal humeral metastases. Resection of the tumour resulted in defects which the TM-VBR was able to fill. The defect was then bridged with a locking plate and cables. At 2-year clinical and radiographic review, bony integration and a return to pain free, near-normal function was achieved.