Periprosthetic humeral fractures in patients with total shoulder arthroplasty are rare and difficult to treat. With the significant increase in the number of older patients who have undergone total shoulder arthroplasty in recent years, an increase in the number of periprosthetic shoulder fractures can be estimated. The decisions of treatment have to be taken individually, depending on the stability of the prosthesis, fracture location, and bone quality. On the other hand, there are limited data for treatment guidance and outcomes. This paper reviews the risk factors, classification, treatment, and outcomes of periprosthetic humeral fractures.
Shoulder dislocation is the most common dislocation presenting to the emergency department. In old age, the attempt of closed reduction is made with caution in order to prevent iatrogenic fracture around the shoulder. We report two cases of iatrogenic fractures of humeral shaft and anatomical neck in female patients older than 70 years old, which occurred during the manual closed reduction. One patient was proved as first-time and the other was recurrent. In addition, the second case had a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. Those patients were treated successfully with humeral nailing and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, respectively.