Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2009, 28:45 http://www.jeccr.com/content/28/1/45 saved reconstruction technique may better ensure the position and direction of the glenoid and better contrib- ute to the stability of the glenohumoral joint due to the preserved articular capsule. In turn, this is likely a key fac- tor in preventing anteroposterior shoulder dislocation. Furthermore, less articular degeneration is thought to be observed in the glenoid-saved reconstruction compared with the glenoid-resected technique at long-term follow- up. This is due to the fact that the synovia arising from the capsule prevents articular cartilage degeneration. The low incidence of postsurgical complications, the local tumor recurrence (2 out of 7 patients) and the once case of metastasis (out of 7 patients) were similar to those reported by Mnaymneh [4] and occurred less frequently than patients treated with scapular prostheses [6]. For complications related to scapular allografts such as dislo- cation, degeneration, and instability of the glenohumeral joint, along with rejection, absorption, nonunions, and deep infections of allografts are primarily observed at fol- low-up rather than during the immediate postoperative period. In our case series, complications occurred infre- quently during the follow-up period. Nonetheless, we hypothesize that complications like articular degenera- tion and allograft absorption are invariably unavoidable when performing this type of surgery. Conclusion The scapular allograft reconstruction following tumor resection can successfully be performed with satisfactory functional, cosmetic, and oncological results. The gle- noid-saved reconstruction is advocated over the glenoid- resected procedure. The deltoid and articular capsule con- tribute significantly to shoulder function, stability, and contour. Thus, we suggest that their preservation and/or reconstruction is an important consideration during the use of scapular allografts. It is also recommended that the rotator cuff be reconstructed, despite the inherent difficul- ties associated with its intraoperative reattachment. Though the results presented here demonstrate satisfac- tory clinical results, the study is limited by short-term fol- low-up for some patients and the small number of cases. Further research, however, is certainly warranted. Competing interests The authors did not receive any financial assistance from any private organization for this study nor was this study influenced by any financial or non-financial ties to the authors. No patent relating to the content of this manu- script is pending and there is no conflict of interest with any author in relation to the submission and publication of the manuscript. Authors' contributions KZ participated in the collection of clinical data, per- formed patient follow-ups, and drafted the manuscript. CT made substantial contributions to conception and design of this research and has reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content and given final approval of the version to be published. HD assisted dur- ing patient follow-ups and collection of data. ZX partici- pated in project coordination and assisted with manuscript. Each author has participated sufficiently in this work to take public responsibility for the appropriate portions of the manuscript. All authors read and approve of the final manuscript. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Mr. Richard and Mr. Robot Ghimire for their assistance in English-language editing. References 1. Ennecking WF, Dunham W, Gebhardt M, et al.: A system for the classification of skeletal resections. Chir Organi Mov 1990, 75(1 suppl):217-240. 2. 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