J Korean Fract Soc.  2011 Apr;24(2):185-190. 10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.2.185.

Periprosthetic Fracture after Proximal Humeral Intramedullary Nail, Treated by Functional Bracing: A Case Report

• Shin JH
• Chang HG
• Kim YW
• Rhee NK
• Park YB
• Kim YK

• KMID: 2183863
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2011.24.2.185

Abstract

Periprosthetic fracture following a proximal humeral intramedullary (IM) nailing is rarely reported neither for its occurrence nor for its treatment. Proximal humeral IM nail (Acumed, LLC, Hillsboro, OR, USA) has been increasingly reported of its successful treatment outcomes, yet there is paucity of data describing its complications. Here we report a 26 year-old female patient, who sustained a proximal humerus fracture which was initially successfully treated by proximal humeral IM nail, and was complicated by a periprosthetic fracture distal to the nail tip at postoperative 4 months. Serial application of U-shaped coaptation splint, hanging cast, and functional bracing resulted in satisfactory clinical outcome. Periprosthetic fracture after proximal humerus IM nail can occur by a low energy injury, which need to reminded in treating young and sports-active patients.

Keyword

Proximal humerus fracture; Periprosthetic fracture; Proximal humeral IM nail

MeSH Terms

Braces
Female
Humans
Humerus
Nails
Periprosthetic Fractures
Splints

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