title: Periprosthetic humeral fractures: management and classification.
abstract: Six patients (67 to 94 years of age) sustained a periprosthetic humeral fracture at an average of 43 months after shoulder arthroplasty (range 13 to 85 months). These fractures were classified depending on fracture anatomy and implant stability. Type A fractures occur about the tuberosities. Type B fractures occur about the stem and are subclassified by fracture anatomy and implant stability: B1 fractures are spiral fractures with a stable implant, B2 fractures are transverse or short oblique fractures about the tip of the stem with a stable implant, and B3 fractures are those fractures about the stem with an unstable implant. Type C fractures occur well distal to the tip of the stem. Five of the 6 fractures required surgery, 4 with revision to a long-stemmed component. All fractures united with restoration of range of motion and function. Satisfactory results may be anticipated if these fractures are managed in an appropriate fashion.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Orthopaedic Centers, Healthsouth Medical Center, Richmond, Va. 23294, USA.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Worland
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arredondo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome