The humelock hemiarthoplasty device for both primary and failed management of proximal humerus fractures: a case series

Abstract

Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 4-5% of all fractures. Managing proximal humerus fractures operatively and non-operatively have their respective complications both short- and long-term. We present our experience using the Humelock hemiarthoplasty device for both primary and failed management of proximal humeral fractures. We present four different examples from ten cases that include a failure of internal fixation, a failure of intramedullary nailing, a complex case in a patient with multiple co-morbidities, and a failure of nonoperative management. The patients in our series had multiple injuries and the device allowed early mobilization and produced good results. We suggest that this device has a role in the failure of primary and secondary management of proximal humeral fractures in a district general hospital setting.

Keywords: Early mobilization; Humelock hemiarthroplasty; failure; proximal humerus..

Fig. (1)

(a, b) 13 months postoperative after initial conservative management, and then with a PHILOS plate which is seen cutting out. (c) Revision using humelock hemiarthroplasty.

Fig. (2)

(a) Initial injury, (b) 3 days later intraoperative, (c) 8 weeks postoperatively, (d) 12 weeks postoperatively, (e, f) During revision surgery, 13 weeks following index surgery.

Fig. (3)

(a, b) X-ray after injury, (c) Intraoperative x-ray.

Fig. (4)

(a) Initial injury, (b) 8 weeks later, (c) 16 weeks later, (d) intraoperative (e) 16 weeks postoperatively.