Circulatory Disorder

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Necrosis of the Humeral Head

Necrosis of the humeral head involves a circulatory disorder of the humerus, which forms part of the shoulder joint. This can have various causes, including accidents, cortisone therapy, and smoking. However, the cause of the circulatory disorder is not always clear.

When is surgery needed?

Treatment for circulatory disorders generally necessitates surgery.

What happens during surgery?

In the early stages of the circulatory disorder, blood flow can be improved by surgical drilling of the humerus in the affected area. However, if the entire area is no longer supplied with blood and the humeral head has already collapsed, a prosthetic surface replacement of the humeral head (cap prosthesis) is required.

Aftercare

Following such an operation, immobilisation in a sling at night is generally required for six weeks. Shoulder function is subsequently restored through physiotherapy and an individualised aftercare programme. During the period of immobilisation, desk work is generally only possible to a limited extent; patients performing physical labour should expect to be unable to work for two to four months.