Periprosthetic humeral fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall from bicycle.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female

Reverse shoulder periarthroplasty fracture. No not loosening of the RSA components.

Osteosynthesis with plates, screws and cerclage.

Case Discussion

Periprosthetic fracture after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a rare fracture and often occurs in osteoporotic patients, older persons, and among those who have a variety of comorbidities. Locked screws promote rotational control, and cerclage increases the stability of the construction.

A number of classifications are used for periprosthetic fractures of the humerus:

Wright et al.: divide fractures into 3 types (A, B, C): type A if long trait proximal to stem with a length of at least one-third of the stem size; type B if the short trait proximal to stem; type C if distal to stem.

Campbell et al.: type 1 are tuberosity fractures; type 2 proximal metaphyseal fractures; type 3 humeral shaft fractures; and type 4 fracture distal to stem.

Worland et al.: type A fractures occur about the tuberosities; type B in to the level of stem; B1 for spiral fractures with stable stem, B2 for oblique fractures about the tip of the stem (which is stable) and B3 for fractures about the stem with an unstable implant; type C fractures occur distal to stem.

Radiographer: TSRM Fabio Imola.

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