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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Total humerus replacement with reverse shoulder design for non-oncologic indication: A case report.
Manh Nguyen Huu1, Quyet Tran1, Viet Vu Duc1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Vin University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center, Vinmec Healthcare System, Viet Nam.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Total humerus megaprosthesis reconstruction effectively addressed a large skeletal defect in a patient with chronic humeral issues. This innovative approach improved arm function and patient satisfaction, offering a promising solution for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- 3D printing in medicine
Background:
- Large skeletal defects, especially chronic ones, present significant challenges in orthopedic reconstruction due to altered surrounding anatomy.
- Management of complex humeral defects requires advanced reconstructive techniques.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male patient with a large humeral defect post-osteomyelitis surgery was treated.
- A custom-designed total humerus megaprosthesis, featuring a reversed shoulder and total elbow joint, was utilized.
- The prosthesis was fabricated using 3D printing technology based on CT-Scan imaging.
Findings:
- The patient showed improved arm functionality at 6 months post-surgery.
- Expectation-based patient satisfaction was also noted at the 6-month follow-up.
Implications:
- Total humerus megaprosthesis replacement appears to be a viable and promising option for reconstructing chronic humeral defects.
- Custom 3D-printed prostheses offer a tailored solution for complex orthopedic reconstructions.

