Avascular Necrosis Of Humeral Head Research Articles

No difference in 10-year survivorship of total shoulder arthroplasty vs. hemiarthroplasty for avascular necrosis of the humeral head

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is characterized by osteonecrosis secondary to disrupted blood flow to the glenohumeral joint. Following collapse of the humeral head, arthroplasty, namely, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or humeral head arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty), is recommended standard of care. The literature is limited to underpowered and small sample sizes in comparing arthroplasty modalities. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to compare the 10-year survivorship of TSA and hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of AVN of the humeral head and (2) to identify differences in their revision etiologies. Patients who underwent primary TSA and hemiarthroplasty for AVN were identified using the PearlDiver database. TSA patients were matched by age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to the hemiarthroplasty cohort in a 4:1 ratio because TSA patients were generally older, sicker, and more often female. The 10-year cumulative incidence rate of all-cause revision was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariable analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazard modeling. χ2 analysis was conducted to compare the indications for revisions between matched cohorts including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), dislocation, mechanical loosening, broken implants, periprosthetic fracture, and stiffness. In total, 4825 patients undergoing TSA and 1969 patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty for AVN were included in this study. The unmatched 10-year cumulative incidence of revision for patients who underwent TSA and hemiarthroplasty was 7.0% and 7.7%, respectively. The matched 10-year cumulative incidence of revision for patients who underwent TSA and hemiarthroplasty was 6.7% and 8.0%, respectively. When comparing the unmatched cohorts, TSA patients were at significantly higher risk of 10-year all-cause revision (HR: 1.39; P=.017) when compared to hemiarthroplasty patients. After matching, there was no significant difference in risk of 10-year all-cause revision (HR: 1.29; P=.148) and no difference in the observed etiologies for revision (P>.05 for all). After controlling for confounders, only 6.7% of TSA and 8.0% hemiarthroplasties for humeral head AVN were revised within 10 years of index surgery. The demonstrated high and comparable long-term survivorship for both modalities supports the utilization of either for the AVN induced humeral head collapse.

Valgising angular stable plate fixation in the treatment of multifragmentary proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients.

The frequency of proximal humeral fractures shows an increasing tendency, especially in the elderly, who are frequently affected by osteoporosis. The adequate treatment of complex, displaced fractures poses a serious challenge. Among surgical treatment options, osteosynthesis with an angular stable plate is preferred, however, the implant-related complication rate may be exceptionally high. In our present study, we report the short-term outcomes of our new method of valgising angular stable plate fixation which we use for multifragmentary, displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of 52 patients (46 female and 6 male, age: 71.9 ± 9.6) who suffered dislocated three- or four-part fractures and underwent valgising angular stable plate fixation. Mean follow-up time was 17.3months, while the functional outcomes were as following: excellent in 26, good in 18, moderate in 5 and poor in 3 patients. The mean Constant-Murley Score was 82.5 ± 11.2. Functional outcomes only showed significant correlation (p = 0.031) with age and were proven unrelated to fracture type, BMI and known primary diseases. The cumulative complication rate was 9.6% and revision rate was 5.8%. Neurological deficit, pseudoarthrosis or avascular humeral head necrosis did not occur during the follow-up period. Valgising angular stable plate fixation that we apply for proximal humeral fractures provided favourable functional outcomes and a low postoperative complication rate due to the optimal head and plate placement. The method is especially effective for the treatment of displaced three- and four-part fractures with weakened, osteoporotic bone structure.

Pectoralis major pedicle bone grafting vs. tricortical iliac grafting for Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures: a randomized controlled trial

The risk of avascular necrosis, nonunion, or malunion is high in osteoporosis-related 4-part fractures. We tried to evaluate the results of patients who underwent plate osteosynthesis with vascularized pectoralis major graft comparing with tricortical iliac grafting to treat 4-part proximal humerus fractures. Thirty-four patients aged 50-75 with Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures were studied. Group A (n=17) underwent osteotomy of a 2.5cm±1cm pectoralis major pedicle bone graft and plate application, while Group B (n=17) underwent plate osteosynthesis using iliac autogenous grafts. Final follow-up assessments included evaluation using Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring systems, Humeral Neck-Shaft Angle (HNSA), humeral head height (Humeral Head Height) and humeral head avascular necrosis. Although reduction loss was observed in 3 patients (17.6%) in Group A patients, reduction loss was observed in 10 patients (58.8%) in Group B., p= 0.013. Humeral head avascular necrosis was 1 (5.8%) in Group A, while it was 5 (29.4%) in the other group (p= 0.071). The HNSA was normal in 12 (70.5%) of Group A patients, while it was normal in 6 (35.2%) of Group B patients. The HNSA was weak or bad (<1200) in 29.4% of Group A patients, while this rate was 64.7% in Group B patients. HHH was 2.64±1.45 mm in Group A and 3.66±1.65 mm in Group B. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring systems. Pectoralis major bone pedicle graft in Neer 4-part proximal humerus fractures reduces the risk of avascular necrosis and nonunion rates. Our technique yielded excellent clinical and radiological results. We achieved recovery without creating additional donor site morbidity.

Are Vascularized Fibula Autografts a Long-lasting Reconstruction After Intercalary Resection of the Humerus for Primary Bone Tumors?

A vascularized fibula graft (VFG) is the vascular autograft most frequently used to restore large segmental long bone defects, particularly in the upper limb. Because the use of a vascularized fibula involves an operation in an uninvolved extremity with potential morbidity, it is important to document that this type of reconstruction is successful in restoring function to the humerus. However, the long-term results of VFG after intercalary resection of the humeral diaphysis for bone tumors are still unknown. (1) What was the complication rate of reconstruction? (2) What was the functional result after surgical treatment, as assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, and Constant score? (3) What was the survivorship of these grafts free from revision and graft removal at 5, 10, and 15 years? Between 1987 and 2021, 127 patients were treated at our institution with en bloc resection for a primary malignant or an aggressive benign bone tumor of the humerus; we excluded patients treated with extra-articular resection or amputation. Of those, 14% (18 of 127) were treated with intercalary resection of the humeral diaphysis for primary bone tumors and reconstruction with VFG, with or without a bulk allograft, and were analyzed in this retrospective study. Generally, our indications for reconstruction with VFG are intercalary resection of the humerus for primary malignant or aggressive benign bone tumors in patients with long life expectancy and high functional demands, in whom adequate bone stock of the proximal and distal epiphysis can be preserved. In 13 patients, VFG was used alone, whereas in five patients, a massive allograft was used. Our policy was to use VFG combined with a massive allograft in patients undergoing juxta-articular joint-sparing resections in which proximal osteotomy was performed close to the anatomic neck of the humerus to obtain more stable fixation and better tendinous reattachment of the rotator cuff and deltoid. All 18 patients who were treated with a VFG were available for follow-up at a minimum of 2 years (median follow-up 176 months, range 26 to 275 months), and although three have not been seen in the past 5 years and are not known to have died, they had 172, 163, and 236 months of follow-up, and were included. The median age at surgery was 25 years (range 2 to 63 years), the median humeral resection length was 15 cm (range 8 to 21 cm), and the median fibular length was 16 cm (range 12 to 23 cm). Complications and functional scores were ascertained by chart review that was performed by an individual not involved in patient care. Functional results were assessed with the MSTS score (range 0 to 30), the ASES score (range 0 to 100), and the Constant score (range 0% to 100%). Survivorship was estimated using a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator, which was suitable because there were few deaths in this series. Seven patients underwent a revision procedure (one radial nerve transient palsy because of screw impingement, four nonunions in three patients with one humeral head avascular necrosis, treatment for screw-related pain in one patient, and two VFG fractures), and one patient underwent VFG removal. Donor site complications were observed in four patients (one ankle valgus deformity and three claw toes-the first toe in two patients and the other toes in the third). At the final clinical control, at a median follow-up of 176 months (range 26 to 275 months), the median MSTS score was 30 of 30 (range 28 to 30), the median ASES score was 98.3 (range 93 to 100), and the median Constant score was 93.5% (range 79% to 100%). Revision-free survival was 71% (95% CI 53% to 96%) at 5 years and 57% (95% CI 37% to 88%) at 10 and 15 years; VFG removal-free survival was 94% (95% CI 83% to 100%) at 5, 10, and 15 years. VFG appears to be an effective reconstructive option after humeral intercalary resection for primary bone tumors. These are complex procedures and should be performed by an experienced team of surgeons who recognize that complications may occur frequently in the first years after the procedure. The frequency of mechanical complications observed in the first 5 years postoperatively may be lessened by using long spanning-plate fixation, and if successful, this reconstruction provides a long-term, durable reconstruction with excellent functional results. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Avascular necrosis of humeral head after proximal humerus fracture: comparison between classification systems in predicting necrosis risk.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a relatively frequent complication after proximal humerus fractures (PHF). There are many factors related to the risk of developing AVN, with fracture complexity being one of the most relevant. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the correlation between different classification systems and the risk of post-operative AVN in patients treated with locking plate fixation for Neer 3 and 4-part PHFs. The study population included 44 patients (F:M 2:1, mean age 62) treated between December 2014 and April 2019. Fractures were classified according to Neer, Russo and Lego classifications and Hertel's criteria. AVN was established on postoperative radiographs after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The odds ratio (OR) for AVN for each classification subtype was calculated. The incidence of necrosis was 11%. Significant association with AVN was found for Neer 4 part (OR=8), Russo IVB (OR=4), Lego pattern 12 (OR=8) and in presence of 3 mayor Hertel's criteria (OR=15,5). There is a significant association between AVN and Neer 4 part, Russo type IVB and Lego pattern 12 fractures. AVN risk is also significantly higher in presence of 3 major Hertel's criteria.

Diagnosis and treatment of avascular necrosis of the humeral head: Current concepts

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is an uncommon clinical entity which can result in significant morbidity for patients. There is a paucity of literature concerning humeral head AVN, which may be due to the relatively rarity of the condition and poorly understood nature. Despite being first described decades ago, the underlying pathophysiology leading to humeral head AVN is still poorly defined. While the staging of humeral head AVN is well described, not much is known about prognosticating factors to predict the eventual course. Most of the management options are based on that of femoral head AVN, and even so, there is a paucity of good quality clinical trials in the literature. This current concepts paper describes what is known about humeral head AVN and proposes a management algorithm to guide clinicians.

Results of Copeland Shoulder Resurfacing Arthroplasty in Sickle Cell Patients with Humeral Head Avascular Necrosis

Results of Copeland Shoulder Resurfacing Arthroplasty in Sickle Cell Patients with Humeral Head Avascular Necrosis

Core decompression for early-stage avascular necrosis of the humeral head: current concepts and techniques.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is a rare, yet detrimental complication. Left untreated, humeral head AVN frequently progresses to subchondral fracturing and articular collapse. Cases of late-stage humeral head AVN commonly require invasive procedures including humeral head resurfacing, hemiarthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) to improve clinical outcomes. However, in cases of early-stage AVN, core decompression of the humeral head is a viable and efficacious short-term treatment option for patients with pre-collapse AVN of the humeral head to improve clinical outcomes and prevent disease progression. Several techniques have been described, however, a percutaneous, arthroscopic-assisted technique may allow for accurate staging and concomitant treatment of intraarticular pathology during surgery, although further long-term clinical studies are necessary to assess its overall outcomes compared with standard techniques. Biologic adjunctive treatments, including synthetic bone grafting, autologous mesenchymal stem cell/bone marrow grafts, and bone allografts are viable options for reducing the progression of AVN to further collapse in the short term, although long-term follow-up with sufficient study power is lacking in current clinical studies. Further long-term outcome studies are required to determine the longevity of core decompression as a conservative measure for early-stage AVN of the humeral head.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty yields similar results to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of humeral head avascular necrosis.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head frequently results in humeral head collapse and end-stage arthritic changes of the glenohumeral joint. Despite the recent proliferation of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), reports on the use of RTSA for AVN remain limited. The purpose of this study was to document the outcomes of shoulders indicated for RTSA in the setting of humeral head AVN and compare these with AVN shoulders indicated for the gold standard, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). A retrospective review of a multinational shoulder arthroplasty database was performed between August 2005 and August 2017. All shoulders with a preoperative diagnosis of AVN (aTSA in 52 and RTSA in 67) were reviewed. The shoulders in the RTSA cohort were matched (1:1) to shoulders with cuff tear arthropathy, whereas the shoulders in the aTSA cohort were matched (1:1) to shoulders with primary osteoarthritis. The mean follow-up period was 47 months (range, 24-130 months) for RTSA and 54 months (range, 24-124 months) for aTSA. Shoulders were evaluated for active range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) prior to surgery and at latest follow-up. Patients treated with RTSA were compared with both the aTSA study cohort and the control group using the Student t test or χ2 test as indicated. RTSAs performed for AVN demonstrated significant improvements in all ROMs and PROMs. Patients undergoing aTSA for AVN were significantly younger than those undergoing RTSA (59 years vs. 73 years, P<.001). At similar follow-up points, the RTSA cohort demonstrated significantly greater improvement in abduction (+51° vs. +32°, P=.03) whereas the aTSA cohort demonstrated significantly greater improvement in internal rotation. Postoperative University of California, Los Angeles scores (30 vs. 27, P=.014) and visual analog scale scores (1.4 vs. 2.4, P=.025) were better after RTSA; however, these differences between prosthesis types did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference. When compared with the control patients, the patients undergoing RTSA for AVN showed similar improvements in all ROMs and PROMs. Similarly, aTSA performed for AVN resulted in comparable improvements in pain, ROMs, and PROMs compared with aTSA performed for primary osteoarthritis. RTSA results in similar PROMs to aTSA in the treatment of AVN. Therefore, surgeons should continue to consider other patient factors such as glenoid bone loss and rotator cuff status when selecting implant polarity in patients with AVN.

Arthroscopically Assisted Humeral Head Decompression for Avascular Necrosis: Lateral Cortical Perforation Technique

AbstractAvascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head is debilitating condition that, when left untreated, can progress to humeral head collapse and end-stage arthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Core decompression is widely regarded as a first-line surgical treatment for early-stage AVN, and when performed on the appropriate patient, core decompression is an effective treatment for improving symptoms and preventing progression and humeral head collapse. This article discusses operative indications and presents a relatively simple and effective arthroscopic method for core decompression of humeral head avascular necrosis.

PHILOS Synthesis for Proximal Humerus Fractures Has High Complications and Reintervention Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to quantify the rate of complications and reinterventions in patients treated with PHILOS plate for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) synthesis. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to 7 October 2021. Studies describing medium and long-term complications in PHF synthesis using the PHILOS plate were included. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on complications and causes of reinterventions. Assessment of risk of bias and quality of evidence was performed with the Downs and Black’s “Checklist for Measuring Quality”. Results: Seventy-six studies including 4200 patients met the inclusion criteria. The complication rate was 23.8%, and the main cause was screw cut-out (4.1%), followed by avascular necrosis (AVN) (3.1%) and subacromial impingement (1.5%). In patients over 55 years, the complication rate was 29.5%. In the deltopectoral (DP) approach the complication rate was 23.8%, and in the delto-split (DS) it was 17.5%, but no difference between the two approaches was seen when considering the type of fracture. The overall reintervention rate was 10.5% in the overall population and 19.0% in older patients. Conclusions: Proximal humerus synthesis with a PHILOS plate has high complications and reintervention rates. The most frequent complication was screw cut-out, followed by humeral head AVN and subacromial impingement. These results need to be further investigated to better understand both the type of patient and fracture that is more at risk of complications and reintervention and to compare pros and cons of the PHILOS plate with respect to the other solutions to manage PHFs.

Pegs not superior to screws for fixation of fractures of the proximal humerus

BackgroundAngular stable plates were introduced two decades ago as a promising treatment for fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus (PHF). However, high rates of adverse events and reoperations have been reported. One frequent reason is secondary penetration of screws into the glenohumeral joint, due to sinking of the fracture or avascular head necrosis. To prevent joint penetrations angular stable plates with smooth locking pegs instead of locking screws have been developed. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether blunt pegs instead of pointed screws reduced the risk of secondary penetration into the glenohumeral joint during fracture healing after operatively treated PHFs.MethodsFrom two different patient cohorts with displaced PHFs (60 treated with PHILOS plate with screws and 50 with ALPS-PHP plate with pegs), two groups were matched according to fracture type AO/OTA 11-B2 and 11-C2 and age (55–85 years). They were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome was radiographic signs of peg or screw penetrations into the glenohumeral joint at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were Oxford shoulder score (OSS) and Constant Score (CS) and radiographic signs of avascular humeral head necrosis (AVN).ResultsEighteen PHILOS patients with B2 and C2 fractures could be matched with a corresponding group of 18 operated with ALPS-PHP with pegs. The number of penetrations of pegs and screws were equal between the two groups and the development of avascular head necrosis did not differ either. The functional outcomes for both OSS and CS at 12 months was clearly in favor of patients without joint penetrations in both groups.ConclusionWe found no differences in the number of screw or peg penetrations in the PHILOS and ALPS-PHP group and the occurrence of AVN was equal. Joint penetrations led to inferior functional outcomes at 1 year.The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier 20/11/12 prospectively for the Philos Group is NCT01737060, and for the ALPS group 11/03/20 retrospectively is NCT04622852.

Idiopathic Bilateral Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis and Bilateral Humeral Head Avascular Necrosis

Idiopathic Bilateral Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis and Bilateral Humeral Head Avascular Necrosis

Clinical and radiological outcome of 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fracture managed with J nails in elderly osteoporotic individuals

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Proximal humeral fracture is 3rd most common fracture in elderly population. Selection of appropriate implant is always challenging to get optimum results in these osteoporotic bones. Though locking plates are gold standard, major complications range from 9% to 36%. To study clinical and radiological outcome of J nail technique for Neer’s three or four part proximal humeral fractures in patients more than 60 years age.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; We retrospectively studied 60 patients of 3 or 4 part proximal humeral fractures, &amp;gt;60 years of age treated with J nail technique from the period of 2015 to 2017. J nails were made using 2 mm 12 inches blunt tip Lambrinudi wires. At final follow-up, clinical outcome was assessed using constant score and radiological evaluation was done according to the Bahr criteria.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The mean constant score at final follow-up was 90. The postoperative reduction was excellent in 98% of patients and remained excellent in 90%. The mean postoperative neck shaft angle was 135.0° and final neck shaft angle was 131.4°. No deep infection was seen. No avascular necrosis of humeral head was found till follow up to 2 years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Our study suggests that the functional and radiological outcomes obtained with J nailing are excellent and similar to locking plates and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with many other advantages of being simple, minimally invasive, avoiding muscle transfixation and no pin site infections.&lt;/p&gt;

Bilateral glenohumeral septic arthritis secondary to mastitis with subsequent avascular necrosis: A case report.

Introduction and importanceSeptic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency. Only 3% of septic arthritis patients present with glenohumeral involvement. Polyarticular disease with shoulder involvement constitutes 1% of this group. There is currently no documented case of bilateral glenohumeral septic arthritis with avascular necrosis secondary to mastitis.Case presentationWe present a case of a 38-year-old African woman with bilateral glenohumeral septic arthritis after management for mastitis of the left breast. She had left, then right shoulder pain, fever, and reduced range of motion, with multiple arthroscopic washouts and antibiotic therapy instituted at various hospitals by various specialists, leading to the resolution of active infection. The patient developed bilateral humeral head avascular necrosis with complete collapse as evidenced on plain radiography 4 months later, and underwent hemiarthroplasty of the right shoulder. Biopsy at operation showed no active bone infection, and inflammatory markers were not elevated. She had reduced discomfort for the following 2 years but developed increasing pain on lifting and reduced range of motion. The moderate symptoms in her left shoulder managed non-operatively had remained unchanged. There were no elevated inflammatory markers 2-years post arthroplasty.Clinical discussionThis case presents an uncommon scenario of bilateral septic arthritis secondary to mastitis, with rapid progression to avascular necrosis in an individual with no classical risk factors for avascular necrosis, despite appropriate antibiotic treatment and surgical interventions. Advanced collapse necessitated hemiarthroplasty of the dominant right side.ConclusionThis case highlights the need for close radiographic follow-up in atypical presentations of septic arthritis and the dilemmas in managing advanced bilateral avascular necrosis with arthroplasty in a young patient.

Incidence of avascular necrosis following biceps tenodesis during proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation

Avascular necrosis (AVN) may occur in up to 77% of proximal humeral fractures and can cause fixation failure. Risk factors include fracture position, calcar length and medial hinge integrity. We routinely perform intra-articular biceps tenotomy with tenodesis at the level of pectoralis major to facilitate fragment identification and potentially ameliorate post-operative pain relief. Concern exists that tenotomising the biceps damages the adjacent arcuate artery, potentially increasing the rate of AVN. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether biceps tenodesis is associated with an increased risk of radiographically evident humeral head AVN. 61 fractures surgically treated over a 52-month period were retrospectively reviewed and radiographically assessed in accordance with Neer's classification, calcar-length and medial hinge integrity. 40, 20 and 1 were four-, three- and two-part fractures respectively. 37 had a calcar-length less than 8mm and 26 suffered loss of the medial hinge. The median radiographic follow-up was 23 months. There was radiographic evidence of humeral head AVN in only one case, comparing favourably to rates quoted in current literature. In our experience, intra-articular biceps tenotomy with the deltopectoral approach was thus not associated with a significantly increased risk of humeral head AVN, even in complex four-part fractures.

Surgical treatment of humeral head avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease: a systematic review.

BackgroundSickle cell disease is the leading etiology for atraumatic humeral head avascular necrosis worldwide. Treatment of this condition is not standardized, with only few studies evaluating clinical outcomes after surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence on the results of surgical intervention for humeral head avascular necrosis in the sickle cell disease population.MethodsA systematic electronic search was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Relevant studies that reported the outcomes of surgical intervention for humeral head avascular necrosis for patients with sickle cell disease were reviewed. Outcome parameters were pain, range of motion, specific shoulder outcome scores, and complications.ResultsSix studies, three retrospective cohorts (2 level III and 1 level IV) and three case series (level IV), were included in this review. A total of forty-three patients with sickle cell disease, comprising forty-nine shoulders, underwent different surgical procedures. Surgical procedures were core decompression, arthroscopic intervention, humeral head resurfacing, shoulder hemiarthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty.ConclusionSurgical intervention for humeral head avascular necrosis in patients with sickle cell disease is selected based on the osteonecrosis stage. In the precollapse stage, core decompression is regarded as the first surgical option. However, in the light of current evidence, it has not been confirmed to prevent or delay natural progression of the disease. Shoulder arthroplasty is reserved for late stages, which despite the fairly good outcomes, data for long-term implant survival and complications are not well documented.

Surgical treatments of atraumatic avascular necrosis of the shoulder

Humeral head atraumatic avascular necrosis is a rare diagnosis. It concerns young patients with a high functional demand. The treatments are mostly surgical. The radiographic classification of Cruess assesses the severity of the humeral head avascular necrosis and guides surgical indications. This chapter reports a review of the literature based on meta-analyses and clinical series. Surgical treatments may be conservative or prosthetic. Conservative treatments include core decompression, bone grafting and arthroscopic debridement. Prosthetic replacements are performed by resurfacing, hemiarthroplasty or total arthroplasty. For low-grade asvascular necrosis, core decompression may be functionally effective and doesn't impair later surgical procedures. For high grades, prosthetic replacements achieve good functional outcomes. Hemiarthroplasty should be preferred if the glenoid cartilage is intact, with low rates of wear complications and better long-term outcome than shoulder arthroplasty.

Drawbacks of conservative treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly

AbstractBackground Fractures of proximal humerus are popular in older people . About ¾ of proximal humerus fractures occur in patients older than sixty. Several methods of internal fixation and arthroplasty are used. However conservative treatment continues to be used in this age group, although some complications of conservative management limit its indications.Objective To assess the outcomes of conservative treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.MethodsIt is a retrospective study of 30 elderly patients (over 50 ys) suffered from proximal humerus fractures and received conservative treatment using broad arm sling. All patients were subjected to regular clinical and radiological examination to evaluate time of union, range of motion, residual pain and complications.Results The average follow up time was 6 months. Nine cases(30%) showed nonunion while 11 cases(37%) showed delayed union after 3 months. The results showed8 cases (27%) with poor range of motion and 13 cases(43%) with acceptable range of motion while 9 cases (30%)showed good range of motion. As regard Pain evaluation,8 cases (27%) with moderate pain while 13 cases (43%) with mild pain and 9 cases (30%) showed no pain. There were 4 cases (13%) of malunion, 3 cases (10%) of avascular necrosis of humeral head, 4 cases (13%) of inferior subluxation of the humeral head and 2 cases (7%) of posttraumatic arthritis.Conclusion Conservative treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients is associated with significant incidence of unsatisfactory outcomes and should be limited only to patients unfit for surgery.

P27 A challenging case of multi-site avascular necrosis

Abstract Background A 32 year old gentleman was assessed in the rheumatology department in August 2018 having been referred for investigation into the cause of multi-site avascular necrosis (AVN). Methods He had mild Raynaud's symptoms in his hands and recurrent oral ulceration. He was previously fit and well without any history of thrombotic events or family history. He smoked 2 cigarettes a day and denied any alcohol intake. Results In February 2011 he was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma while in the Navy. He underwent chemotherapy in a medical oncology department at a tertiary care centre. His chemotherapy regime involved 2 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) and 4 cycles of cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, vincristine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine (CODOX-M IVAC) which finished in September 2011. He developed severe bilateral hip pain 6 months after completing his chemotherapy. X-rays revealed bilateral avascular necrosis (AVN). He was discharged from the Navy on medical grounds and underwent bilateral total hip replacements in 2013. In March 2014 he developed pain involving both shoulders. An MRI scan revealed extensive bilateral humeral head AVN. He was seen by an orthopaedic surgeon at a tertiary centre and underwent re-surfacing surgery on both shoulders. Meanwhile he was reviewed by the pain team and a palliative care consultant in June- July 2014 for ongoing widespread pain in his elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. He also suffered from depression, poor sleep and expressed frustration regarding his general health and inability to work. Multiple analgesic agents used included amitriptyline, dothiepin, pregabalin, oxycodone, oxynorm and clonazepam. He also tried cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). He developed a headache and saw a neurologist who investigated this and concluded the patient had an analgesia overuse headache. In December 2017 he developed more pain in his knees and ankles and X-rays revealed AVN of both knees. He underwent a right total knee replacement in June 2018. An MRI scan of his ankles revealed signs of bilateral AVN with bone infarction of the distal tibia and a small area of the talus bilaterally. When he was assessed in the rheumatology clinic in August 2018, he had a number of investigations which revealed normal blood counts, haemoglobin electrophoresis and clotting screen. An autoimmune screen was negative including ANA, ENA and antiphospholipid antibodies. An infection screen including HIV was also negative. A lipid screen revealed a triglyceride level of 10.9, cholesterol 8.1 and HDL ratio of 9.3. Conclusion This challenging case involves a young patient with AVN in 8 sites which is rare. The AVN is likely related to chemotherapy, steroids and untreated hyperlipidaemia. There have been devastating painful and psychological consequences to his daily functioning. Ongoing issues include widespread pain and further sites of AVN. Disclosures A. Haque None. A. Coote None.