Transverse Periprosthetic Fracture With a Bent Stem Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty - A Case Report.

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is increasingly performed, with a corresponding rise in associated complications such as periprosthetic fractures. Although implant failure and loosening are well documented, deformation of a humeral stem without loosening has not been previously reported.

Case report: A 77-year-old woman, 9 years after an RTSA, presented with left shoulder pain after a fall. Initial radiographs revealed a transverse periprosthetic proximal diaphyseal fracture and a deformed humeral component. She was treated nonoperatively with range-of-motion exercises and pain management. One year later, radiographs confirmed fracture healing, and the patient had no pain and had regained full motion.

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of deformation of a humeral stem in a shoulder arthroplasty. Nonoperative management was successful for fracture healing.