There are many possible reasons why a bone fracture occurs intraoperatively. Sometimes it's completely unavoidable. There are some known risk factors such as decreased bone mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis). Shoulder instability from a previous rotator cuff tear can make a difference.

Estimates of periprosthetic humerus fractures range from less than one per cent up to three per cent. Most of these breaks occur right during the shoulder replacement surgery. In fact, they account for about 20 per cent of all problems that do occur.

It sounds like your surgeon is suggesting arthroscopic surgery. A long needle with a tiny TV camera on the end is inserted through the skin into the joint. The surgeon can see on a screen what is going on inside the joint.

Posterior instability as a cause of shoulder pain and/or clicking is an uncommon, but not unheard of, condition. Anterior shoulder problems are much more common. In fact, many pitchers or throwing athletes suffer from an anterior instability. Posterior refers to the back of the shoulder. Anterior refers to the front of the shoulder.

I was a competitive swimmer in high school and now swim recreationally and while working as a lifeguard. A few months ago I felt a painful pop in my shoulder while lifting a boat and I was diagnosed with impingement and instability. I did 8 weeks of PT and all was well. Recently I got back in the pool, to begin light workouts for lifeguarding I am now experiencing a painful pop during the pull of my stroke...this also seems to occur randomly when reaching for things. Any ideas as to what this may be?

Shoulder problems are common among overhead throwing athletes. Anterior instability along the front of the shoulder occurs as a result of repetitive microtrauma. Posterior instability (along the back of the shoulder) is much less common. This condition occurs with repetitive microtrauma during the late cocking and follow-through phases of overhead throwing.

With the increasing number of total shoulder replacements, periprosthetic (near the implant) fractures are more likely. In this article, surgeons from Mayo Clinic review the types of fractures that can occur in the humerus (upper arm bone) after shoulder replacement and their treatment.

The risk of periprosthetic humerus fractures is increased with any of the following risk factors:

My recent MRI reveals tendinopathy, mild degenerative arthrosis, and a small amount of fluid in bursae. This was a relief since my symptoms of pain up to level 7 in the shoulder have gone on for 12 weeks in spite of twice-weekly physical therapy and the performance of my exercises. Fortunately, the pain (on tucking in my shirt or putting on a shirt, washing my hair, etc.) would go away within 2 minutes.

i was injured skiing, hiy from behind. landed on shoulder just about a month ago. os sent me home to heal for a month, then we will assess soft tissue damage. meantine, some days my thumb/hand hurts like the dickens, others i get shooting pain frm my elbow dowqn. pain meds don't seem to help. any thoughts out there?

Quadrilateral space syndrome is a rare but potentially disabling condition affecting overhead athletes most often. Swimmers, pitchers, and gymnasts are at risk for QSS. Evidently, so are javelin throwers.