Arthroscopically treated proximal humeral fracture malunion

Abstract

Articles describing the treatment of proximal humerus malunion are limited. Although in most of the cases, shoulder arthroplasty is the treatment of choice, when the articular surface of the humeral head is intact, other techniques can be considered and successfully used as well. Using arthroscopic techniques for proximal humerus malunion treatment is rarely reported in the literature. We could find only a few cases in which arthroscopic subacromial decompression was used to treat greater tuberosity malunion. Arthroscopic debridement and capsulotomy are also considered in the treatment of proximal humeral malunion cases with shoulder joint stiffness. This case report describes the completely arthroscopic treatment of a 4-part proximal humeral fracture malunion associated with pain and restricted range of motion. The main deformity in our case was medially displaced malunited lesser tuberosity that was blocking the internal rotation of the humerus. Isolated displaced lesser tuberosity fractures are rare injuries. Open techniques are usually the treatment of choice. We did not find any reports of arthroscopic treatment of lesser tuberosity malunion as a separate entity or as a component of a proximal humerus malunion. The early result in our case strongly encourages using arthroscopic techniques for lesser tuberosity malunion treatment as well as expanding the indications for shoulder arthroscopy in proximal humerus malunion cases.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 9 (November-December), 2002: pp 1020–1023