Objective To describe a geographic surgical resection method for scapular tumors, and to evaluate its accuracy and the prognosis of the tumor and shoulder function.

Methods From 2013 to 2017, 6 patients underwent 3D-printed model assisted surgical excision in our hospital. Preoperative CT scan was performed to obtain the tumor data. The image data set was imported into the Navigation system (Stryker Navigation) to label the tumor, and the osteotomy edge was designed before the surgery. The 3D-printed model was printed from image data labeled with tumor information. The operation was performed according to the 3D-printed model and the preoperative design of the osteotomy line. Preoperative planning was compared with the actual margin achieved. The surgical margin, local recurrence, distant metastasis and shoulder function were evaluated.

Results There was no significant difference between the planned margin and the actual margin (21.0±8.1 vs. 22.0±6.6 mm, P=0.437). The mean follow-up was 51.6 months and no local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. The Neer shoulder function score was 96-100(mean score: 98.2). The MSTS function score was 97%-100% (mean score: 99%).

Conclusion The accurate partial scapulectomy and ideal local tumor control could be achieved by the geographic resection of chondrosarcoma in the scapular with assistance of 3D-printed model. The post-operative function of shoulder is satisfactory.