Resurfacing shoulder hemi arthroplasty in ballistic injuries. A case report

Ballistic traumatology of the shoulder joint is uncommon. Usually, it is associated to comminuted fractures of the upper humerus. Total shoulder arthroplasty has been proposed to restore a good function. The indication of resurfacing hemi arthroplasty still controversial and is not commonly reported after ballistic traumatology.

We report the case of a 26-year-old soldier victim of a gunshot of the left shoulder entailing a comminuted complex fracture of the upper extremity of the humerus. After shoulder immobilization of 3 months joint mobility was very limited. Radiographs showed bone malunion with a total loss of the hemispherical form of the humeral head. Patient has undergone a resurfacing hemi arthroplasty. Surgery outcome was good. At five years of follow-up, there were no major functional complaints. Clinical and radiological result was satisfactory with a good shoulder mobility.

Shoulder arthroplasty provided good functional outcome in case of post fracture sequelae. Difficulty was to choose between total arthroplasty and hemi arthroplasty. In young and active patients, authors disapproved total arthroplasty in post traumatic gleno-humeral arthrosis to prevent revision difficulties especially after glenoid erosion.

Although follow-up still be limited, the indication of shoulder hemi arthroplasty was appropriate regarding functional outcome and patient satisfaction. Further clinical and radiological supervision still necessary to detect glenoid erosion.