Periprosthetic shoulder fracture: case report

Periprosthetic shoulder fractures are rare, being the third most frequent after periprosthetic hip and knee fractures. However, with the growing use of these prostheses in elderly patients, the trend is for their frequency to increase, and therefore, knowing how to manage these complications is essential. In this case report, we present a female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, who underwent an anatomical bipolar shoulder arthroplasty at 48 years old. Later, at 62, after a fall, she presented with a periprosthetic shoulder fracture. Therefore, an open reduction and osteosynthesis of the right humeral periprosthetic fracture with an LCP 4.5 plate, secured with two super cables and wire, was performed. She progressed with full range of motion one year after the fracture. This case is presented to show how a periprosthetic fracture was managed with implant retention, resulting in excellent functional and radiographic outcomes.