Interposition Arthroplasty for Chronic Proximal Humerus Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

Two years after a right shoulder arthroscopic procedure, a 49-year-old woman presented with significant dysfunction and pain to our orthopaedic department. Laboratory and imaging evaluation demonstrated chronic glenohumeral osteomyelitis with irreparable damage to the humeral articular surface. A 2-stage soft-tissue shoulder interposition arthroplasty was performed to rebalance the joint. Long-term follow-up revealed functional results with pain control and no reinfection.

For patients at high risk of reinfection or unable to undergo prosthetic joint implantation, this approach may be considered a functional alternative to salvage procedures.