Percutaneous microwave ablation with osteoplasty and interventional internal fixation for impending pathologic fracture of the proximal humerus

Abstract

Humerus is the long bone second-most commonly affected by metastases. An impending pathologic humeral fracture requires rigid surgical stabilization to prevent it from fully fracturing. In the present study, we report a case of a 71-year-old male patient with a visual analog score of 10 (indicating extreme pain) and an impending pathologic fracture that allowed for combined treatment with percutaneous microwave ablation and simultaneous injection of bone cement during Kirschner wire insertion. The procedure was performed successfully with no complications. The patient reported pain relief and improved quality of life and functional status 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 2 months after his procedure.

Keywords: Interventional internal fixation; pathologic fracture; percutaneous osteoplasty.