Complex proximal humerus fracture with associated glenoid fracture – Solution with reverse shoulder arthroplasty and glenoid fixation

Abstract

We present a case of a complex proximal humerus fracture combined with an articular glenoid fracture, in an elderly patient. This is a rare combination of injuries, and its proper treatment is scarcely described in the current literature. Our selected treatment consisted of reverse shoulder arthroplasty combined with glenoid fracture fixation, which has been reported only once in the current literature. At 18 months follow-up we report a result consisting of great pain control, appropriate mobility and functional score, and absence of signs of glenohumeral instability or implant loosening, which is in line with has been previously described. We conclude that this surgical approach is a great alternative to others such as reverse shoulder arthroplasty combined with glenoid grafting, or shoulder hemiarthroplasty.

Keywords

• Proximal humerus fracture
• Glenoid fracture
• Reverse shoulder arthroplasty
• Glenoid fixation