Good functional results with open reduction and internal fixation for locked posterior shoulder fracture–dislocation: a case series

Abstract

Background There is no standardized therapeutic strategy for locked posterior shoulder fracture–dislocation (PSFD), and no consensus exists on the analysis of preoperative factors. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate functional results and complications in a series of PSFD cases managed with open surgical treatment. Methods Patients diagnosed with locked PSFD who underwent open surgical treatment with reduction and osteosynthesis between April 2016 and March 2020 were included. All participants were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Functional assessment used the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) mod scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and visual analog scale (VAS). Complications were evaluated clinically and radiologically by X-ray and computed tomography. Results Twelve shoulders were included (11 patients; mean age, 40.6 years; range, 19–62 years). The mean follow-up duration was 23.3 months (range, 12–63 months). The UCLA mod, ASES, SSV, and VAS scores were 29.1±3.7, 81.6±13.5, 78±14.8, and 1.2±1.4 points, respectively. The overall complication rate was 16.6%, with one case of post-traumatic stiffness, 1 case of chronic pain, and no cases of avascular necrosis. Conclusions Open surgical treatment of locked PSFD can achieve good functional results. A correct understanding of these injuries and good preoperative planning helped us to achieve a low rate of complications.

Keywords

• posterior shoulder dislocation
• posterior shoulder fracture–dislocation
• posterior instability
• locked posterior shoulder dislocation