Operative and nonoperative treatment of periprosthetic humerus fractures after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Periprosthetic humerus fracture is a relatively rare complication following shoulder arthroplasty. As shoulder arthroplasty volume increases, more periprosthetic fractures are anticipated. Some surgeons routinely operate on humerus shaft fractures adjacent to a humeral stem, while others recommend first-line nonoperative treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of operative and nonoperative treatment options for periprosthetic humerus fractures, their associated outcomes, and complications. Our goal was to provide clinical insights for surgeons on the outcomes and complications associated with various treatment options. We performed a systematic review of studies reporting clinical or radiographic outcomes and complications after operative or nonoperative treatment of postoperative periprosthetic humerus fractures following shoulder arthroplasty. Subgroup analysis was conducted for differences in surgical outcomes between open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria (196 humeri). The mean clinical follow-up period was 2.6 years. Most fractures were Cofield B (42%), followed by C (27%), and A (12%); 19% were not classified. Forty-two percent of index implants were reverse total shoulders, 27% anatomic total shoulders, 16% hemiarthroplasties, and 1% resurfacing; implant design was not reported for 14%. The average time from index procedure to fracture was 2.9 years. One hundred sixty-seven (85%) fractures were treated operatively, 26 (13%) were treated nonoperatively, and 3 (2%) were missing information. Overall complication rate was 46%. Nonoperatively treated fractures had a higher complication rate (69% vs. 43%, P = .04) and increased risk of malunion (19% vs. 1%, P =