Double shoulder prosthesis implant at the Agnelli hospital in Pinerolo
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At the Edoardo Agnelli hospital in Pinerolo, the team of the Orthopaedics and Traumatology complex structure (department) carried out the implant of two reverse shoulder prostheses during the same operating session, on a patient with a bilateral fracture of the proximal humerus. The procedure, made public on 30 October 2026, is described as highly complex and reserved for exceptional cases [1][2].
The trauma and diagnosis
The patient arrived at the Pinerolo hospital's emergency department (A&E) following an accidental bicycle fall while descending on uneven terrain, sustaining high-energy trauma to both shoulders. X-rays and a CT scan revealed a bilateral, multi-fragment, displaced fracture of the proximal humerus [1][2].
The procedure
Having assessed the severity of the clinical picture and the low likelihood of a stable reconstruction through osteosynthesis, the orthopaedic team opted for a bilateral reverse shoulder prosthesis implant in a single operating session. The procedure was carried out by orthopaedic surgeons Pierfranco Triolo, head of the Orthopaedics and Traumatology department, Sergio Ronco and Nicola Lollino, and was concluded successfully. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient began the planned rehabilitation programme [1][2].
Pierfranco Triolo commented: «We were faced with an extremely rare and complex trauma. Bilateral multi-fragment fractures of the proximal humerus are an uncommon condition and require very careful assessment. In this case, the bilateral reverse prosthesis, performed in the same operating session, represented the most effective solution to allow the patient the best possible functional recovery» [1][2].
Multidisciplinary teamwork
The success of the procedure was decisively aided by collaboration among orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, physiatrists and physiotherapists, which allowed integrated management of the patient and early initiation of rehabilitation. Giovanni La Valle, general manager of ASL TO3, stated: «In cases of major trauma, collaboration among professionals is a decisive factor. Being able to bring together highly specialised surgical, anaesthesiological and rehabilitative expertise within a single facility allows us to offer citizens complete, high-quality care pathways, even in the most complex situations» [1][2].
Related articles: Edoardo Agnelli Hospital, Pinerolo
Sources
- Due protesi inverse di spalla in un'unica seduta: raro intervento all'Ospedale Agnelli di Pinerolo — TorinoOggi, 30 October 2026
- Pinerolo, intervento record all’ospedale Agnelli: impiantate due protesi inverse di spalla in un’unica seduta — Prima Torino, 30 October 2026