BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: To describe a valid option for the treatment of locked posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder (LPFDS) and to compare it to the literature about this topic. METHODS: We present a small case series (3 patients), with a medium follow up at 4 years and 5 months. We accurately describe our surgical strategies, underlining the choice of approach, reduction and fixation. RESULTS: The three patients showed excellent functional and radiological results at the follow up examinations, with a full range of shoulder movements and complete regain of pre-trauma activities. A lateral approach (standard or minimally invasive), a reduction technique with a Shantz pin in the head and in the humeral shaft, and fixation with a locking plate were used in the three patients. CONCLUSION: LPFDS is a challenging lesion, hard to recognize and to treat. Our suggested method of treatment is highly reproducible and has revealed itself to be very effective in achieving good results.
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: To describe a valid option for the treatment of locked posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder (LPFDS) and to compare it to the literature about this topic. METHODS: We present a small case series (3 patients), with a medium follow up at 4 years and 5 months. We accurately describe our surgical strategies, underlining the choice of approach, reduction and fixation. RESULTS: The three patients showed excellent functional and radiological results at the follow up examinations, with a full range of shoulder movements and complete regain of pre-trauma activities. A lateral approach (standard or minimally invasive), a reduction technique with a Shantz pin in the head and in the humeral shaft, and fixation with a locking plate were used in the three patients. CONCLUSION: LPFDS is a challenging lesion, hard to recognize and to treat. Our suggested method of treatment is highly reproducible and has revealed itself to be very effective in achieving good results.