Osteoarticular Pedicle Freezing Using Liquid Nitrogen for the Treatment of Recurrent Chondrosarcoma of the Proximal Humerus

[Abstract] Pedicle freezing using liquid nitrogen has been used increasingly in Japan in the last decade for the treatment of long bone tumors with good results. We describe our case of a recurrent chondrosarcoma of the proximal humerus treated with pedicle freezing of the entire osteoarticular segment due to involvement of the metaepiphyseal aspect. A late traumatic fracture occurred 8 months after surgery. Osteosynthesis was done with good union ; however, subchondral collapse was noted at the humeral head. Functional outcome is satisfactory. Augmentation with vascularized fibular graft is advised to prevent subchondral collapse and late fractures. In cases where joint preservation is not possible, prosthesis composite is an option.