Arthroscopy after locked plating of proximal humeral fractures: implant removal, capsular release, and intra-articular findings

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of arthroscopy after proximal humeral plating and the occurrence of concomitant pathology and avascular necrosis.

Methods: Forty-five patients (28 women; median age, 58.5 years [range, 30 to 82 years]) underwent arthroscopies of 46 shoulders because of unsatisfactory results after locked plating of proximal humeral fractures. They were prospectively followed up for 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Relevant intra-articular lesions were documented. The patients were assigned to 1 of the following groups: (1) articular screw perforation, (2) subacromial plate impingement, or (3) post-traumatic/postoperative shoulder stiffness. Shoulder range of motion and function as measured with the age- and gender-adjusted Constant-Murley score, as well as the Simple Shoulder Test, were compared among the groups.

Results: Concomitant lesions of the articular cartilage, long head of the biceps tendon, tuberosities, and rotator cuff were found in 34 patients (75%). Two-thirds of patients (n = 31) had a partial or complete 270° capsular release. Of the patients, 84% (n = 38) underwent 3 and 12 months' follow-up and 82% (n = 37) underwent 24 months' follow-up. The active range of abduction (P = .029), flexion (P = .048), and internal rotation (P = .0005) had improved significantly at 24 months' follow-up compared with the preoperative status. The mean adjusted Constant-Murley score of patients with post-traumatic shoulder stiffness (n = 15, 64.2% ± 7.9%) and articular screw perforation (n = 19, 73.3% ± 8.4%) was significantly lower (P = .0089 and P = .042, respectively) than that of patients with subacromial plate impingement (n = 12, 93.4% ± 4.3%).

Conclusions: High rates of relevant articular pathologies and the necessity of capsular release in a majority of patients with unsatisfactory results after locked plating of proximal humeral fractures make arthroscopy a valuable revision tool with promising results in cases of high plate positioning, screw perforation, and postoperative/post-traumatic shoulder stiffness.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.