Partial Humeral Head Resurfacing for Avascular Necrosis

Abstract

Large chondral lesions of the humeral head are often treated with total shoulder arthroplasty, but this may not be an ideal option for young, active patients. Humeral head resurfacing is another option, which better preserves the native biomechanics. This article and the accompanying video present the surgical technique of partial humeral head resurfacing, which further preserves the remaining healthy cartilage. It is described for a chondral lesion due to avascular necrosis, but the method has been successfully used to treat chondral lesions from a broad range of causes.