Temporary Cement Prosthesis as a Bridge After Control of Axillary Artery Hemorrhage in Proximal Humeral Fracture-Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 64-year-old woman underwent open reduction and internal fixation for four-part proximal humeral fracture-dislocation with palpable distal pulses. Upon dislocated head removal, life-threatening hemorrhage occurred from posterior circumflex humeral artery tear. Bleeding was controlled through packing, resuscitation, and open vascular repair. Owing to unavailable shoulder prosthesis and prolonged operative time, a temporary cement prosthesis with Steinmann pins was used. At the 3-year follow-up, partial function was restored with no loosening.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights axillary branch injury masked by tamponade effect. When arthroplasty unavailable, temporary cement prosthesis serves as a creative salvage option-a novel emergency application.