Abstract

An osteochondral lesion of the entire articular surface of the humeral head has not previously been reported. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with a huge osteochrondal lesion which affected virtually the whole articular surface of the humeral head, caused by an unusal mechanism of injury. Clinical examination revealed a stiff, weak, painful shoulder. Radiographs were unremarkable and an ultrasound scan suggested a supraspinatus tear with retraction. At arthroscopy the lesion was identified but the lesion was to large for arthroscopic removal. A humeral head hemi-resurfacing as a treatment for this lesion produced excellent results, the patient returned to her pre-injury level of function with no pain.