Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Complications of humeral head replacement for proximal humeral fractures
Derek Plausinis1, Young W Kwon, Joseph D Zuckerman
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Humeral head replacement has been widely used for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. The procedure is associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction as well as reliable relief of pain. The functional outcomes, however, have been variable. Reported complications include infection, neurologic injury, intraoperative fracture, instability, tuberosity malunion and nonunion, rotator cuff tear, heterotopic ossification, glenoid erosion, and stiffness. When technical factors such as tuberosity malunion or component malpositioning are considered as postoperative complications, the incidence of complications is relatively high. This high rate of complications, in turn, may be related to the wide range of reported functional outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Healing II: Complications
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna