Chondrosarcoma in Proximal Humerus: The First Reported Case in Lebanon and the Middle East of a Female Treated with MUTARS® Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty.

Introduction: The incidence of chondrosarcomas is relatively high as it comes second to multiple myeloma as the most common primary malignant bony neoplasms in adults. They tend to occur mostly in the axial skeleton. Hence, they rarely develop in the proximal humerus. Although imaging can aid in the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, histopathology is the cornerstone that correlates with prognosis and guides us toward the most appropriate treatment modality. Surgical treatment is the best option for chondrosarcomas as most of them are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is really challenging to settle on one surgical technique for proximal humerus chondrosarcomas as surgeons must balance between saving the patient from the oncological process and maintaining a good function of the shoulder joint. Case Report: We present herein a rare case, the first in Lebanon, of chondrosarcoma hitting the left proximal humerus of a 62-year-old lady successfully managed by operative resection and reconstruction with a cemented shoulder hemiarthroplasty using the Modular Universal Tumor and Revision System (MUTARS®) system. Conclusion: Chondrosarcomas are relatively rare. Their resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in addition to their proximal humerus localization is troublesome for both the patient and the surgeon. Hence, a relatively new technique (first in Lebanon and the Middle East), the MUTARS shoulder hemiarthroplasty is found to have promising results on terms of morbidity and mortality for the patient when indicated and properly done.

Professional and Psychological Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Training of Medical Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted residency and fellowship training and education. However, how and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon compromised the daily involvement of trainees on the clinical and ethical levels is currently unknown, which this study will shed light on. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey (30 questions) targeting medical residents delivering healthcare services in Lebanon. Residents from different specialties were included in the study to assess the effect of the pandemic on their education and the ethical obstacles they faced when dealing with patients. RESULTS: A total of 221 postgraduate medical students participated in our study. Results showed that about half of the residents (52.1%) were only able to do a basic physical examination rather than a full examination as a mandatory requirement in the residency curriculum. The majority (60%) agreed that the doctor-patient relationship is contravened. In addition, almost all residents suffered from fear and emotional distress that affected their education (83.7%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study identify the effect of COVID-19 on residents' training, which affects treatment outcomes and greatly impacts the mental well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.