Minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis for the dislocated humeral head fracture associated with ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture: A case report

Abstract

The condition combining a dislocated humeral head fracture and an ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture is seen to be rare in literature, which is limited to case report or case series. Furthermore, effective management of these coexistent injuries is still a subject of debate. The essential purpose of this article is to report another treatment method for this condition. We present a case of a 79-year-old female patient who suffered a three-part humeral head fracture-dislocation associated with the ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture. The combined injuries were managed by minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) through the deltopectoral approach with the eventual result of bone healing and good function after thirty-three months of follow-up. In conclusion, MIPO should be considered a safe and effective option, however, the risk of traumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head is taken into account before operation decision-making.