Shoulder-to-Elbow Humeral Malunions: Current Concepts and Review of the Literature.

JBJS Rev · Feb 01 2026 · Review

Kelly J, Ahankoob N, Benson E

Orthopedic Surgery Department, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, California

Shoulder & Elbow

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review outlines current management strategies for humeral malunions from shoulder to elbow, including osteotomy, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty depending on location and severity.
Abstract, as published

» Proximal humeral malunions: Arthroscopic techniques are effective for mild malunions, osteotomy is suitable for more significant deformities, and shoulder arthroplasty is ideal for cases with severe damage or nonviable humeral heads.» Humeral shaft malunions: Rotational and angled deformities should be addressed with an osteotomy, though malunions are generally well tolerated and more likely to be cosmetic deformities.» Distal humerus malunions are complex, but corrective osteotomy or arthroplasty can improve function and pain, especially with 3-dimensional imaging enhancing surgical accuracy.

Featured in the 2026-09-28 issue.

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