Name of the Procedure:

Prophylactic treatment (nailing, pinning, plating, or wiring) with or without methylmethacrylate; proximal humerus

• Common Names: Proximal humerus fixation, Shoulder fracture stabilization
• Medical Terms: Internal fixation of the proximal humerus, Prophylactic humeral nailing/pinning/plating/wiring

Summary

This surgical procedure involves stabilizing the upper part of the upper arm bone (proximal humerus) using metal rods (nails), pins, plates, or wires. Sometimes, a bone cement called methylmethacrylate is used to enhance stability. This procedure helps prevent fractures or stabilize weakened bone structures.

Purpose

• Addresses: Severe bone weakening or risk of fracture in the proximal humerus, commonly due to conditions like osteoporosis, metastatic bone disease, or trauma.
• Goals: Prevent fractures, stabilize the bone, alleviate pain, and improve shoulder function.

Indications

• Symptoms: Persistent pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, instability.
• Conditions: Osteoporosis, bone metastases, previous fractures, or conditions causing bone weakness.
• Criteria: Patients with a high risk of proximal humerus fracture or those who already have an unstable fracture that needs stabilization.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may need to fast (no food or drink) for 8-12 hours before surgery. Adjustments to current medications, especially blood thinners, may be required.
• Tests: Preoperative imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs), blood tests, and a general physical examination.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (nerve block).
2. Incision: A small incision is made near the shoulder.
3. Stabilization: Using fluoroscopic guidance, the surgeon will insert metal rods, pins, plates, or wires to stabilize the bone.
4. Methylmethacrylate: If needed, methylmethacrylate bone cement is applied to enhance stability.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of the case.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurses
• Radiology Technician (if fluoroscopy is used)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, blood loss, pain, or swelling.
• Rare: Nerve or blood vessel damage, non-union or malunion of bone, complications from anesthesia, and allergic reactions to bone cement if used.

Benefits

• Expected: Improved bone stability, reduced pain, prevention of fractures, and improved shoulder function.
• Timeline: Benefits are typically noticed within a few weeks to a few months after surgery, as healing progresses.

Recovery

• Care: Pain management with medications, physical therapy to restore function, and regular follow-up appointments.
• Recovery Time: Typically 6-12 weeks for initial recovery, with gradual improvement in function and strength.
• Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and follow specific weight-bearing restrictions as advised by the surgeon.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical: Physical therapy, bracing, or activity modification.
• Surgical: Other forms of fixation, such as external bracing or different surgical approaches depending on the condition.
• Comparison: Non-surgical options may be less invasive but might not provide the same level of stability and fracture prevention.

Patient Experience

• During: Under anesthesia, so no pain or awareness during the procedure.
• After: Some pain and discomfort managed with medications, possible swelling, and the need for a sling or brace initially. Pain typically decreases over a few days, with guided physical therapy starting shortly after surgery to aid in recovery.