Bilateral acromial stress fractures in a patient with a massive rotator cuff tear

Stress fractures of the acromion and scapular spine are well-known complications following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. However, these fractures in patients with massive rotator cuff tear or cuff tear arthropathy are extremely rare, and the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of these fractures are poorly understood. We report a case of bilateral stress fracture of the posterior angle of the acromion in a patient with massive rotator cuff tear and discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment with a review of the literature.

Acute Displaced Fracture of Lateral Acromion after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Surgical Technique

Acromial fractures are well-documented complications subsequent to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and most appear as stress fractures with no history of single trauma. To date, no study has reported the occurrence of acute displaced acromial fracture due to sudden strong deltoid contraction during heavy work. Displacement of the fracture results in a challenging surgery since it is difficult to obtain adequate fixation in thin and osteoporotic bones. We report a rare case of acute displaced acromial fracture after successful RSA treatment, using a novel technique of open reduction and internal fixation, applying two 4.5 mm cannulated screws and lateral clavicle precontoured plate.

Acute Displaced Fracture of Lateral Acromion after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Surgical Technique

Acromial fractures are well-documented complications subsequent to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and most appear as stress fractures with no history of single trauma. To date, no study has reported the occurrence of acute displaced acromial fracture due to sudden strong deltoid contraction during heavy work. Displacement of the fracture results in a challenging surgery since it is difficult to obtain adequate fixation in thin and osteoporotic bones. We report a rare case of acute displaced acromial fracture after successful RSA treatment, using a novel technique of open reduction and internal fixation, applying two 4.5 mm cannulated screws and lateral clavicle precontoured plate.

Is Acromial Fracture after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty a Negligible Complication?: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of acromial fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and clinical and radiological outcomes of treatment of the fracture. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify studies that reported the results of treatment of acromial fractures after RTSA. A literature search was conducted by two investigators using four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid Medline). RESULTS: Fifteen studies (2,857 shoulders) satisfied our inclusion criteria. The incidence of acromial fracture after RTSA was 4.0% (114 / 2,857). The mean age of the patients at the time of fracture was 72.9 years (range, 51 to 91 years). The mean time from RTSA to diagnosis of acromial fracture was 9.4 months (range, 1 to 94 months). One hundred shoulders (87.7%) were treated conservatively and 14 shoulders (12.3%) were treated surgically. The mean follow-up period after acromial fracture was 33.8 months. The overall union rate was 50.0% (43.8% for conservative treatment and 87.5% for operative treatment). The fracture incidence was significantly different among the medial glenoid and medial humerus prosthesis design (8.4%), the lateral glenoid and medial humerus design (4.0%), and the medial glenoid and lateral humerus design (2.8%). The mean values at final follow-up were as follows: visual analog scale score, 2.2; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 59.1; Constant score, 59.7; and Simple Shoulder Test, 5.8. The mean forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation were 102.3°, 92.3°, and 25.8°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Acromial fractures after RTSA are a complication neither uncommon nor negligible. In the absence of studies with high-level evidence, there is a controversy on the outcomes after treatment. Further well-designed prospective randomized controlled studies with a long-term follow-up should be performed to ascertain the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of acromial fractures after RTSA.