Management of periprosthetic humerus fractures after shoulder arthroplasty

Background The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze time to fracture union, complications, and outcomes of postoperative periprosthetic humerus fractures after primary shoulder arthroplasty. Methods Retrospective review of patients who sustained a postoperative periprosthetic humerus fracture after primary shoulder arthroplasty at a single institution. Fractures were classified according to the Worland Classification system. Both non-operatively and operatively treated patients were included. The primary study outcomes were time to union and complications. Results There were 46 patients who sustained a postoperative periprosthetic humerus fracture after primary shoulder arthroplasty, 18 were treated non-operatively and 28 were treated operatively. There were seven (25%) patients who underwent surgery after failed non-operative management. There was only one (2.2%) patient who had a nonunion at final follow-up. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score, Single Assessment Numeral Evaluation, and visual analog scale pain scores were 73.5 ± 22.7, 66.5 ± 23.1, and 2.2 ± 2.4, respectively. Conclusion There was a high rate of union for both non-operatively and operatively treated periprosthetic fractures. However, there was a high rate of cross-over from non-operative to operative treatment and a high complication rate for both cohorts. For properly indicated patients, non-operative and operative treatment can result in satisfactory patient outcomes.