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Osteonecrosis of the humeral head after extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy
H B Durst1, G Blatter, M S Kuster
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kantonsspital, St Gallen, Switzerland.
Insights
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, used for calcific tendinitis, may lead to osteonecrosis of the humerus by damaging blood vessels. This case highlights a potential risk associated with the procedure in shoulder treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Calcific tendinitis is a common shoulder condition.
- Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment option.
- Vascular damage from ESWL is a known complication in urology.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman received ESWL for right shoulder calcific tendinitis.
- She later developed osteonecrosis of the right humeral head.
- The time between treatment and complication was over three years.
Findings:
- The patient's osteonecrosis may be linked to ESWL.
- Shock waves might have compromised the blood supply to the humeral head.
- This suggests a potential vascular complication of ESWL in the shoulder.
Implications:
- ESWL for shoulder conditions warrants careful consideration of vascular risks.
- Further research is needed to confirm the link between ESWL and humeral osteonecrosis.
- This case may inform patient selection and monitoring for ESWL procedures.
Abstract:
A 59-year-old woman with calcific tendinitis in her right shoulder underwent extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. Three years and four months later she presented with osteonecrosis of the head of the right humerus. It is known that shock waves in patients with urological disorders can damage blood vessels. A possible reason for the development of osteonecrosis in this patient may have been damage to the blood supply of the head of the humerus.
