Implant failure after internal fixation of humeral head. (Early failure - the skin staples are still in situ)
The humeral head is part of the proximal humerus. Humeral head fractures are common fractures. They make up about 5% of all fractures. Their incidence is approximately 70/100.000/year, significantly increasing with age.The fracture is usually caused by indirect trauma (eg falling with an outstretched hand or on the elbow), but fractures due to direct trauma are also not uncommon. Rarer causes are bone metastases, primary bone tumors or malignant lymphomas.Symptoms include a painful restriction of movement, pain, pressure asscociated pain, possibly bruising in the armpit, at the lateral thorax, or on the medial side of the upper arm.For diagnosis:
The fracture can be treated conservatively in 70% of all cases. In 30% of cases surgical treatment like plate fixation is neccessary.
