Arthroscopic Removal of Proximal Humerus Plates in Chronic Post-traumatic Shoulder Stiffness

Proximal humerus fracture fixation may be complicated by persistent postsurgical stiffness or implant-related problems. Arthroscopic plate removal is a cosmetic and functionally beneficial procedure; however, the procedure is technically difficult in the presence of severe subdeltoid scarring. The technique described here shows an arthroscopic subdeltoid adhesiolysis and proximal humerus plate removal using systematic access to 5 regions of screw positions on the plate. After initial glenohumeral adhesiolysis, a thorough subacromial and subdeltoid bursectomy is performed. The axillary nerve and deltoid are retracted via an anterosuperolateral portal, and a posterolateral portal is used for panoramic viewing along the plate length. Lateral portals are placed above and below the axillary nerve, and these are used for screw removal. Finally, the plate is removed via a 1-inch incision along the previous surgical scar. The technique is cosmetic and minimally invasive, and early rehabilitation restores range of motion and strength. Technical tips for safe dissection in the scarred subdeltoid space and guidelines for protection of neurovascular structures are presented.