ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term effectiveness of patients received surgical treatment under the guidance of “West China Classification” of desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) in the shoulder girdle.MethodsThe clinical data of 32 patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle admitted between June 2003 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 18 females, aged 14-56 years with an average age of 36.8 years. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 7-19 cm, with an average of 11.1 cm. According to the “West China Classification” of DTF in the shoulder girdle, there were 4 cases of region Ⅰ, 3 cases of region Ⅱ, 6 cases of region Ⅲ, 3 cases of region Ⅳ, 5 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ, 5 cases of regions Ⅱ+Ⅲ, and 6 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ. In addition, the involvement of blood vessels and nerves was also taken into consideration for choosing a surgical approach. Finally, 12 cases were operated via anteroposterior approach (group A), 14 via posterior approach (group B), and 6 via combined anterior-posterior approach (group C). The 1993 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) score (including pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand position, hand flexibility, and lifting ability), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder joint (including flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction), and complications of patients in the 3 groups were recorded and compared.ResultsAll the 32 patients were followed up 30-190 months, with an average of 94.6 months. At last follow-up, complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%), including 2 cases (16.6%) in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the 3 groups (P=1.000). Tumor recurrence occurred in 5 (15.6%) cases, including 1 (8.3%) case in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. No significant difference was found in the recurrence rate among the 3 groups (P=1.000). At last follow-up, MSTS93 score of pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand flexibility, and hand position in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C (P<0.05), even though no significant difference existed between group A and group B (P>0.05). The lifting ability score in group C was significantly lower than in group A (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between other groups (P>0.05). The JOA score and flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction activities of shoulder in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C (P<0.05). The extension activity in group A was significantly better than that in group B (P<0.05), the flexion activity in group B was significantly better than that in group A (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other indexes between groups A and B (P>0.05).ConclusionTaking a rational approach to fully expose and completely remove the tumor is the key point of surgical treatment for patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle. At the same time, preservation of vital structures and reconstruction of soft tissues should also be taken into consideration. Overall, surgical treatment under the guidance of “West China Classification” of DTF in the shoulder girdle has achieved satisfactory long-term effectiveness.