Osteonecrosis of the Humeral Head 3 Years Following Fracture Fixation of a 4-Part Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the humeral head is defined as “avascular” when the death of bone is due to a disrupted blood supply. It is a known complication following proximal humeral fractures and can lead to poor long-term outcomes and even additional revision surgeries. Case Report: Patient AP developed symptomatic ON, 3 years following repair of a 4-part valgus impacted proximal humerus fracture. The point of interest in this case is the length of time from injury at which she developed symptomatic ON. Following surgical repair, she was seen at standard intervals, 6 weeks, 3-, 6-, and 12- month follow-ups and demonstrated an excellent recovery. By the 1 year follow-up appointment, she had obtained a range of motion in her left shoulder of 170° forward elevation and 60° in external rotation. At this point, she was able to discontinue physical therapy and was radiographically and clinically healed. However, 2 years after, she began experiencing sudden onset of pain with shoulder ROM and progressive limitation. She was diagnosed with an ON of her proximal humerus. The patient was prescribed a 3-month course of corticosteroid, 3 months following her operation for a gynecological-related issue. However, with strong progress being made 9 months after this prescription, and problems occurring over 2 years after taking the medication, it is unclear whether the ON was related to her fracture pattern or developed as a result of the corticosteroid usage or a combination of the 2 due to a “double hit.” Conclusion: This case review points out the potential need for continued monitoring even after radiographic and clinical healing is achieved in these injuries. Keywords: blood supply, delayed presentation, osteonecrosis, proximal humerus fracture, corticosteroid