Arthroscopic treatment of bilateral humeral head osteonecrosis

Abstract

A 37-year-old woman with a renal transplant was treated by arthroscopic debridement for bilateral steroid-induced humeral head osteonecrosis. Radiologically, the right shoulder had been categorized as stage III and the left as stage IV according to Arlet and Ficat. Relief of pain and improved range of motion were obtained especially on the right shoulder. Arthroscopy is an efficient procedure for treatment of humeral head osteonecrosis in the renal transplant recipient including radiological stages III with episodes of locking.