Short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients treated with a modern intramedullary nailing system for 2-part proximal humerus fractures

ObjectivesThe optimal surgical treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) remains controversial. There are advocates for both open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN). The purpose this study was to evaluate the early-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of IMN for isolated, displaced 2-part surgical neck PHFs using a modern, straight nail system and to determine the effect of preoperative patient and fracture characteristics on outcome.MethodsThis was a case series of 23 patients with displaced 2-part surgical neck PHFs who were treated with ORIF using a straight IMN with minimum follow-up of 1 year (mean 2.5 years [range, 1.1–4.6]). Patients were identified retrospectively and contacted for measurement of active range of motion (AROM) and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and Visual Analog Scale Pain score (VAS Pain). Plain radiographs were evaluated to assess the quality of the reduction and failure of fixation. Complications and reoperations were identified.ResultsReduction was anatomic in 12 (52%) patients, acceptable in 9 (39%), and 2 (9%) were malreduced. There were no differences in reduction quality based on sex (p = 0.37), age at surgery (p = 0.68), calcar comminution (p = 0.68), number of screws in the head (p = 0.99), or medial hinge disruption (p = 0.06). At final follow-up, the mean ASES score was 92 ± 10, OSS was 45 ± 4, SANE was 93 ± 7, EQ-5D of 0.85 ± 0.17, and VAS Pain was 0 ± 1. The mean active forward flexion was 143° ± 16°, active external rotation was 68° ± 20°, and internal rotation was T11 ± 4 vertebrae. Two (9%) patients underwent reoperation and 2 (9%) patients experienced clinical failure not requiring reoperation.ConclusionsStraight IMN is a reliable treatment for displaced 2–part surgical neck PHFs with excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes in early follow-up. The implant facilitated anatomic or acceptable alignment of the fracture in the vast majority of patients.     

Double plating - surgical technique and good clinical results in complex and highly unstable proximal humeral fractures

IntroductionA stable fixation of highly unstable proximal humerus fractures remains challenging and complication rates, especially secondary varus dislocation, remains high. Different techniques of double plate osteosynthesis have been suggested for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures as they are well established for other fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate an operative technique using an angular stable lateral plate supported by a one-third tubular plate positioned anteriorly at the lesser tuberosity for unstable proximal humeral fractures.Patients and methodsRetrospectively, patients treated with a double plate osteosynthesis were included between January 2014 and December 2017. Out of 31, 25 patients (80.6%) with an average age of 53.1 years ± 12.5 were available for follow-up. 60% of the patients were male. The clinical evaluation consisted of a physical examination and standardised questionnaire including subjective and objective shoulder scores like the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score, Simple Shoulder Score, and Subjective Shoulder Value.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 30.9 months (range, 12-76 months) eighteen patients (72%) had either excellent or good results regarding the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score with a mean value of 77 points ± 17. Average Simple Shoulder Score was 76% ± 0.2 and Subjective Shoulder Value 72% ± 0.2%. Mean NSA at time of follow-up 135° ± 13°. Nine patients had an implant-removal, five in combination with arthrolysis after a mean of 7.2 months. Three patients underwent surgery for secondary arthroplasty. The study shows a complication rate of 16%. No revision-surgery because of secondary varus dislocation was reported.DiscussionArthroplasty is the less favourable treatment for a younger, active cohort of patients with highly unstable proximal humeral fractures as results are not as good and options for revision are limited. Double plate osteosynthesis can be used in addition to calcar screws, bone graft augmentation, cement augmentation and additional free screws for more multidirectional stability and shows good clinical results despite a higher rate of avascular necrosis and high primary stability with comparable complication-rates to single plate osteosynthesis. It seems to be a valid alternative to primary fracture arthroplasty and can prevent secondary varus displacement.     

Open reduction internal fixation vs. reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of acute displaced proximal humerus fractures

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures are a frequent fragility fracture in the aging population and represent a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of these fractures is viable but technically challenging and associated with a high complication rate. Recently, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with tuberosity repair has become a popular and successful option for treating these fractures. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes of ORIF and RTSA for treatment of proximal humerus fractures.MethodsAn age-matched group of 50 patients treated with ORIF (25) and RTSA (25) were assessed at an average follow-up of 4.4 years. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST), radiographs, range of motion, and complications were evaluated between the two groups.ResultsThe reoperation rate and major complications were higher in the ORIF group compared to RTSA. No major complications were observed in the RTSA group. Forward flexion in the RTSA patients (143.2 ± 23.1) was shown to be significantly greater than ORIF patients (121.4 ± 35.1) (p= 0.0125) but no significant differences were observed for shoulder external rotation or internal rotation. There was no difference in ASES and SST scores between groups.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates good clinical outcomes for both RTSA and ORIF. However, reoperation rate was higher with ORIF with locked plating compared to RTSA for fracture with tuberosity repair in an age matched population. RTSA may be a better treatment option than ORIF for 3- and 4-part fractures in patients older than 65.Level of evidenceLevel III     

复杂肱骨近端骨折人工肱骨头置换术中肩袖重建的长期疗效观察

目的探讨Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折人工肱骨头置换术中肩袖重建的远期临床效果。方法回顾性分析自2001-01—2012-12采用人工肱骨头置换术治疗的25例Neer 3、4部分肱骨近端骨折。术前测量健侧大结节最低点至肱骨头最高点的距离,术中尽量解剖复位肱骨大、小结节,合理控制假体高度及后倾角度,尽可能修复重建损伤肩袖,术后分阶段康复锻炼。结果本组22例获得有效随访,随访时间平均120(49~190)个月。末次随访时ASES评分为80~92(86.28±3.36)分,肩关节内旋至T10水平,患肢主动前屈上举125°~135°,外旋36°~42°。1例合并臂丛神经损伤者术后肩关节功能恢复满意。结论对于骨折端无法良好复位、肱骨头缺血性坏死可能性大的复杂肱骨近端骨折,人工肱骨头置换同时进行精细的肩袖重建可以获得无痛和良好运动范围的肩关节。     

Long-term relation between deltoid muscle volume and clinical outcomes in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundDeltoid muscle function is important in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Concerns are raised on the resistance of the deltoid muscle against the postoperative distalization. We hypothesize that a decreased volume of the deltoid muscle is related to worse clinical outcomes after a long-term follow-up. An observational study was conducted to evaluate the relation between volume of the deltoid muscle and clinical outcomes after a long-term follow-up on RSA.MethodsEligible for inclusion was patients who underwent RSA for cuff arthropathy after minimum 3 years follow-up. Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative volume was measured on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Postoperative deltoid volume was evaluated on ultrasonography. Distalization of the humerus was measured on radiographs. Clinical outcomes were measured by the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Oxford Shoulder Score, and range of motion. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between the deltoid volume and clinical outcomes, and between distalization and deltoid volume or clinical outcomes.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 88.7 ± 29.1 months. Postoperative deltoid volume positively correlated with both CMS (P = .045) and abduction strength, in both operated (P = .01) and contralateral side (P < .001). No association between deltoid volume and Oxford Shoulder Score or range of motion, and no association between preoperative volume and postoperative CMS was found. The mean distalization of the humerus was 21.2 mm [95% CI: 19.4-22.9 mm]. Distalization negatively correlated with deltoid volume (P = .012) and CMS (P = .009).ConclusionsPostoperative deltoid volume correlated with clinical outcomes as measured by CMS and abduction strength after a long-term follow-up on RSA.     

The clinical outcomes and tuberosity healing after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fracture using the turned stem tension band technique

BackgroundRecent studies have reported the clinical effectiveness of tuberosity healing after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with proximal humeral fractures with respect to joint stability, long-term survival, and postoperative range of motion. However, it is challenging to achieve robust fixation of the fragile bone fragments in elderly patients. This study aimed to report on the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures using a Turned stem Tension Band technique–a simple suture configuration that can apply a compressive force on both tuberosities at the same time.MethodsEighteen patients who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for complex proximal humeral fractures (age 80.4 ± 4.7 years, range 70–87 years), using our Turned stem Tension Band technique, were included in this study and evaluated postoperatively for range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Numerical Rating Scale, and tuberosity healing, with minimum 2-years follow-up (mean 34.5 months, range 24–60 months).ResultsAt the final follow-up, mean range of motion results were active flexion, 119 ± 34°; active abduction, 116 ± 35°; active external rotation, 27 ± 12°; and active internal rotation, L3. Six of 11 (55%) patients with 4-part dislocated fractures had neurological disorders from the time of injury; of these, three patients obtained shoulder elevation under 90° at the final follow-up. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 77.3 ± 10.7, and the mean Numerical Rating Scale was 1.2 ± 0.9. Fifteen of 18 (83%) patients were satisfied with the results. The tuberosity healing rate was 100% (18 of 18).ConclusionsThe Turned stem Tension Band technique in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures provides a robust fixation, regardless of the fracture pattern, which results in a high tuberosity healing rate.     

Die primäre inverse Frakturprothese

The treatment of comminuted three and four part fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears is challenging. Primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an alternative; however, functional outcome is still unclear due to a lack of study results. The aim of this study was to examine the functional results of RSA and to compare them with the results after reconstruction and locking plate osteosynthesis 1 year after surgery. In this study 24 patients (mean age: 77.9±9.1 years) underwent RSA as primary treatment for three and four part fractures of the proximal humerus with either head split or rotator cuff tears >Bateman type II. The results obtained at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up included shoulder range of motion (ROM), Constant score, age-adjusted and gender-adjusted Constant score and as a percentage when compared to the uninjured side. Data were compared to patients of matching age, gender and fracture pattern from a prospectively collected database of 526 patients treated by locking plate osteosynthesis. The mean shoulder ROM 1 year after surgery was 105±29° flexion, 99±31° abduction, 22±23° external rotation and 65±26° internal rotation. In 6 patients flexion-abduction was >130°. The mean Constant score (CS) 1 year postoperatively was 62.4±14, age and gender normalized CS was 79.2±20.5, CS compared to the uninjured side was 76.1% and there were no significant differences to matched individuals treated by open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates (p=0.360). There were no infections, dislocations, vascular or neural disorders and surgical revision was not necessary in any patient. RSA should be considered as an appropriate alternative for the primary treatment of comminuted three and four part fractures of the proximal humerus with head split or large rotator cuff tears in elderly patients. Although RSA can provide immediate shoulder stability for elderly patients with severe shoulder injuries, primary RSA needs investigation with regards to long-term outcome.     

Comparison of functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty in the primary treatment of acute proximal humerus fracture

Background: Treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures remains controversial. In cases where adequate open reduction and internal fixation cannot be achieved, hemiarthroplasty has been the traditional treatment; however, clinical results have been mixed. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been suggested as an alternative, and this study aimed to compare the functional results of RSA versus hemiarthroplasty in patients with acute proximal humeral fracture. Methods: Ten patients with acute proximal humerus fractures unsuitable for internal fixation (mean age 77) who underwent RSA for acute proximal humerus fracture unsuitable for internal fixation against the outcomes of 10 patients (mean age 75) who had previously undergone hemiarthroplasty for the same indication. Functional scores and radiographic outcomes were assessed at 22–44 months follow up. Results: At follow up the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Scorev score was 65 (range 40–88) in the RSA group and 67 (26–100) in the hemiarthroplasty group. Mean Oxford Shoulder scores were 29 (15–56) and 22 (12–34), respectively. Mean forward elevation was 115 degrees (range 45–140 degrees) and active external rotation was 49 degrees (5–105 degrees) in the RSA group, versus 108 degrees (50–180 degrees) and 48 degrees (10–90 degrees) in the hemiarthroplasty group. No statistically significant differences in outcome scores or range of motion were seen. Conclusion: In these early results, the anticipated functional gains of RSA over hemiarthroplasty were not realized, suggesting the use of RSA for treatment of proximal humeral fractures should remain guarded. Larger prospective trials are necessary to identify the optimal management of patients in this situation.     

Surgical treatment for acute and displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients: hemiarthroplasty vs. reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are the third most common fractures in elderly patients. The best treatment option on this population is still a topic of discussion. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has increased popularity as a viable treatment option for these fractures. Yet, few studies demonstrate the risk factors for mortality after this procedure.MethodsThe authors present a retrospective study including patients older than 75 y with acute and displaced PHFs primarily treated with RSA or hemiarthroplasty in a public hospital between January 2004 and January 2020. The exclusion criteria were pathologic fractures and more than 6 weeks to surgery. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was performed to compare survival rates.ResultsA total of 73 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of fracture and surgery was 78 y old, 10 males and 63 females, with a median clinical follow-up of 64 months (standard deviation 34). Forty-one patients (56%) had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2. Twenty-eight patients were submitted to hemiarthroplasty and 45 to RSA. Regarding hemiarthroplasty, only one patient with hemiarthroplasty died within a year, and the 5 y survival rate was 70%. Concerning to RSA group, five patients died within a year, and the survival rate at 5 y was 66.2 %. The American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P < .001) was the only risk factor identified for mortality at 5 y. Hemiarthroplasties had more prosthetic loosening compared with RSA (P = .024). Three hemiarthroplasties were converted to RSA, and we verified 1 RSA infection. In the group of hemiarthroplasties, 56% returned to their normal daily living activities, while in the RSA 92% did that, representing a significant difference (P = .007).ConclusionRSA as a primary treatment for displaced PHFs had a high survival rate (88.9% at 1 year and 66.2% at 5 y) and better functional results comparing to patients treated with hemiarthroplasty. With proper patient selection, RSA is a safe procedure for the treatment of PHF, especially in an elderly population.     

Proximal humeral fractures treated with arthroplasty

P74ro50x%iyme aaolrfs h houulmdm.eer raAalfl t effrrraa cactgtuuerr ee5ss0,ainc wc oopumanteiten nf othsra vomeldo reaer m tthhucaanhnhigher incidence of proximal humeral fractures thanmen.In patients younger than50years old,high-energy trauma is the most common cause of proximalhumeral fractures,and after age50,minimal-to-moderate trauma is the most common cause.1Neer s classification,the most popularclassification system for proximal humeral fractures,isbased on the anatomical relationship o…     

The effect of body mass index on functional outcome,pain, and postoperative complications in shoulder arthroplasty after a proximal humerus fracture

BackgroundAlthough shoulder arthroplasty often gives a reliable improvement in shoulder pain and function after proximal humeral fractures (PHFs), one must consider the risk of complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of complications or worse postoperative shoulder function after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA) in patients with PHF.MethodsThis study included 233 patients who underwent HA or RSA after PHF in the Ryhov Teaching Hospital between 2006 and 2018. Data collected include age, gender, BMI, preoperative and postoperative Constant score, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score during rest and activity, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction.ResultsAnalysis was made in HA and RSA patients separately. The HA and RSA patients were divided into three groups based on their BMI. Group I consisted of patients with a BMI <25 kg/m², group II consisted of patients with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m², and group III consisted of patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m². We found no statistically significant difference between BMI groups regarding postoperative Constant score, postoperative VAS score during rest, postoperative VAS score during activity, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction in neither HA patients nor RSA patients.ConclusionThis study showed that BMI did not affect the risk of postoperative complications or bad functional outcome after treatment of PHF with HA or RSA.     

手法复位小夹板治疗肱骨近端3部分骨折的病例对照研究

目的:前瞻性研究肱骨近端3部分骨折的中医治疗疗效。方法:自2009年1月至2012年2月,采用两种方法治疗新鲜闭合性骨折肱骨近端3部分骨折118例。手术组:男22例,女37例;年龄45～83岁,平均(65.80±10.62)岁,病程(22.58±22.11)h,采用切开复位锁定钢板内固定手术治疗;手法组:男21例,女38例;年龄45～85岁,平均(65.98±11.10)岁,病程(20.85±22.63)h,采用手法复位、小夹板外固定的方法治疗。治疗后对患者肩关节的疼痛、功能、活动及解剖指标进行观察评估。结果:所有患者获随访,时间3～12个月,平均8.2个月。以Neer评分标准评价疗效:手术组术后评分(85.47±6.15)分,满意率88.20%;手法组术后评分(84.95±5.70)分,满意率86.40%;两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:手法组与手术组治疗肱骨近端3部分骨折均能达到满意效果,手法复位小夹板固定可以规避手术风险,减少局部血运破坏,既保证了疗效又减少治疗费用,是治疗肱骨近端3部分骨折的良好方法。     

肱骨近端锁定接骨板/肱骨近端内锁定系统和人工肱骨头置换治疗成年人肱骨近端骨折的疗效比较

背景:成人肱骨近端骨折,尤其是三、四部分骨折,采用何种治疗方案仍有争论。目的:对采用肱骨近端锁定接骨板/肱骨近端内锁定系统(LPHP/PHILOS)与人工肱骨头置换治疗成年人肱骨近端骨折(proximal humeral fracture,PHF)的临床疗效进行系统评价。方法:检索Ovid Medline和Pub Med(2001年1月至2011年12月)、Embas(e2001年1月至2011年12月)、Cochrane Cen-tral Register of Controlled Trial(s2011年)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM,2001年1月至2011年12月)等数据库,搜集全部有关LPHP/PHILOS治疗肱骨近端骨折的各种对照研究,进行系统评价。结果:LPHP/PHILOS与其他内固定治疗成人肱骨近端骨折的系统评价共纳入7个非随机对照试验及1个半随机对照试验,8个研究均为C级。资料分析结果显示:人工肱骨头置换与LPHP/PHILOS比较Neer评分优良率无显著性差异[OR=1.27,95%C(I0.34,4.71),P=0.72];术后其他并发症发生率及二次手术发生率差异无统计学意义。结论:目前认为LPHP/PHILOS与人工肱骨头置换针对特定年龄及特定骨折类型人群各有利弊。对于高龄粉碎性肱骨近端骨折患者(75岁,三/四部分骨折)大部分医生倾向于人工肱骨头关节置换。对于老年骨质疏松性肱骨近端骨折患者,现有文献中没有足够的对照实验证明LPHP/PHILOS相对与人工肱骨头置换的优越性。     

The surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures in children and adolescent

The aim of his study was to evaluate outcomes of the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures in children. The studied group consisted of 24 patients who were operated on during the period 1997-2006. Operative and postoperative complications were evaluated. For the follow up evaluation Constant-Murley Score and Oxford Shoulder Score in own modification were employed. The scores assessed the following characteristics: pain, activity level in daily living, range of motion and shoulder strength. In all reported cases a correct union was obtained as well as the anatomical axis of the bone (only in one child 20 degrees varus curve of the bone remained but without limitation in the shoulder motion range). The total of 21 patients were evaluated during follow-up visits, 13 patients obtained the result "very good" and 8 "good" in the Consant-Murley Score. According to the Oxford Schoulder Score 18 patients obtained maximum results, and 3 children results above 95% of the maximum score. In the study group the results of the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures were very good. We can therefore recommend this type of treatment in patients with proximal humerus fracture with large dislocation and angulation.     

缝线辅助锁定钢板治疗老年肱骨近端骨折的病例对照研究

目的：探讨应用缝线辅助锁定钢板治疗老年肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效.方法：自2005年1月至2013年1月,收治老年肱骨近端3、4部分骨折55例,分为治疗组和对照组.治疗组31例,采用缝线辅助锁定钢板治疗,其中男12例,女19例;年龄65～85岁,平均（74.00±5.42）岁;NeerⅢ型19例,Ⅳ型12例;低能量损伤23例,高能量损伤8例.对照组24例,采用锁定钢板治疗,其中男7例,女17例;年龄65～85岁,平均（72.79±5.34）岁;NeerⅢ型16例,Ⅳ型8例;低能量损伤17例,高能量损伤7例.记录并比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、骨折愈合时间,术后采用Neer评分评价肩关节功能恢复情况.结果：55例均获随访,时间6～24个月,平均16.1个月.治疗组平均出血量（495.806±143.150） ml;Neer评分中的功能（22.645±2.443）分,活动范围（18.194±2.613）分,解剖（7.935±1.504）分,总分77.161±8.335.而对照组平均出血量（641.667±169.851） ml;Neer评分中功能（13.955±1.989）分,活动范围（13.083±2.165）分,解剖（5.500±1.978）分,总分58.792±7.313.以上指标比较,治疗组结果均优于对照组.结论：采用缝线辅助锁定钢板治疗老年肱骨近端骨折,具有术中出血少、复位简单有效、术后肩关节功能恢复效果更好的优点,是治疗老年肱骨近端骨折的有效方法.     

Komplexe proximale Humerusfraktur beim alten Menschen

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was a direct comparison of fixed-angle plate fixation (FAPF) and shoulder hemiarthroplasty (SHA) for complex fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-institution case series of 52 consecutive geriatric patients (age > or =70 years) treated with FAPF for three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus between 2003 and 2005 was analysed 1 year after surgery. The analysis included Constant Score (CS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and radiological evaluation. Outcome was compared with a similar historic group of patients (n=59) who received SHA in an earlier period (1995--1997). RESULTS: The patient groups showed no differences in age, gender, or fracture type. Median CS was significantly better for FAPF (71 vs 41). Evaluation of pain demonstrated no differences between the two treatment modalities in the OSS. Revision surgery was performed more often in the FAPF group (25% vs 2%). CONCLUSION: Compared to SHA, functional outcome was superior with FAPF. However, this was associated with a higher rate of revision surgery. Most patients were still able to live independently in their original environment, regardless of the type of surgery.     

Clinical evaluation of a new custom offset shoulder prosthesis for treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus

Primary hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder is an accepted procedure to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. The goal of this study was to assess the functional outcome in patients treated with hemiarthroplasty using a custom offset shoulder prosthesis, either for an acute four-part fracture of the proximal humerus or following failed primary treatment of a complex humeral fracture. Thirty seven patients were followed up for a mean of 17 months after shoulder replacement (Group A: four-part-fractures; n = 26, Group B: posttraumatic necrosis/non-union after failed primary treatment; n = 11). The Constant-Murley-Score and radiological score according to Neer's classification were used for postoperative functional and radiological assessment. Following hemiarthroplasty, Group A achieved an average Constant Score of 52 and Group B of 46. The pain relief after hemiarthroplasty was about 53% in Group A and only 33% in Group B. The least satisfying partial function was shoulder mobility in both groups. Radiographic evaluation did not correlate with the Constant Score. Patients secondarily treated with arthroplasty seem to have less chance to achieve a satisfying functional outcome compared to those with immediate hemiarthroplasty. These results emphasise the importance of a careful initial decision to select the most appropriate treatment modality in complex fractures of the proximal humerus.     

Effect of tuberosity repair on functional outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in proximal humerus fractures

PurposeUnsatisfactory results of hemiarthroplasty in Neer's 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly, have led to the shift towards reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The objective of our study was to repair the tuberosities that are generally overlooked during RSA and observe its impact on the functional outcome and shoulder scores.MethodsWe include elderly patients with acutely displaced or dislocated 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures from July 2013 to November 2019 who were treated with RSA along with tuberosity repair by non-absorbable sutures and bone grafting harvested from the humeral head. Open injuries and cases with neuro-muscular involvement of the deltoid muscle were excluded. According to the tuberosity healing on radiographs of the shoulder at 9th postoperative month, the patients were divided into 2 groups, as the group with successful tuberosity repair and the other with failed tuberosity repair. Statistical analysis of the functional outcome and shoulder scores between the 2 groups were done by independent t-test for normally distributed parameters and Mann-Whitney test for the parameters, where data was not normally distributed.ResultsOf 41 patients, tuberosity healing was achieved in 28 (68.3%) and failed in 13 (31.7%) cases. Lysis of the tuberosity occurred in 5 patients, tuberosity displacement in 2, and nonunion in 2. Mean age was 70.4 years (range 65 – 79 years) and mean follow-up was 58.7 months (range 18 – 93 months). There were no major complications. Group with successful tuberosity repair showed improvement in mean active range of movements, like anterior elevation (165.1° ± 4.9° vs. 144.6° ± 9.4°, p < 0.000), lateral elevation (158.9° ± 7.2° vs. 138.4° ± 9.6°, p < 0.000), external rotation (30.5° ± 6.9° vs. 35.0° ± 6.3°, p = 0.367), internal rotation (33.7° ± 7.5° vs. 32.6° ± 6.9°, p = 0.671) and in mean shoulder scores including Constant score (70.7 ± 4.1 vs. 55.5 ± 5.7, p < 0.000), American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (90.3 ± 2.4 vs. 69.0 ± 5.7, p < 0.000), disability of arm shoulder and hand score (22.1 ± 2.3 vs. 37.6 ± 2.6, p < 0.000).ConclusionSuccessful repair and tuberosity healing around the RSA prosthesis is associated with statistically significant improvement in postoperative range of motion, strength and shoulder scores. Standardized repair technique and interposition of cancellous bone grafts, harvested from the humeral head can improve the rate of tuberosity healing.     

经皮顺行克氏针固定治疗肱骨近端骨折

目的：对应用经皮顺行克氏针固定治疗肱骨近端骨折的适应证、手术方法和疗效进行总结分析。方法：应用经皮顺行穿针固定治疗肱骨近端闭合骨折32例，男7例，女25例；年龄28-75岁，平均49．25岁。Neer外科颈2部分骨折20例，3部分骨折9例，4部分骨折3例。结果：32例均获随访，随访时间8-34个月，平均13．5个月。按Con—stant-Murley功能评分标准：优21例，良9例，可2例。结论：经皮顺行穿针固定治疗肱骨近端骨折，结合有计划的康复治疗，操作简单、疗效可靠。不但可用于治疗外科颈2部分骨折，而且还可选择性地应用于3、4部分骨折的治疗。     

Acute versus delayed reverse total shoulder Arthroplasty for the management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

ObjectivesProximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common, yet their optimal management remains debated. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an increasingly popular option, particularly for non-reconstructible or osteoporotic fractures. Despite this trend, current literature provides limited guidance with regards to surgical timing and patient selection for rTSA. A trial of non-operative management might be beneficial for many patients who are not clearly indicated for surgery, provided this does not have a major negative impact on results for those who ultimately require rTSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether delayed reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (>28 days from injury) is associated with any difference in complication rates or functional outcomes relative to acute surgery.DesignRetrospective cohort studyPatients/Participants114 consecutive patients who underwent rTSA as the primary management of a PHF at two Level 1 trauma centers and one academic community hospital between 2004 and 2016.InterventionrTSA as primary management of proximal humerus fractureMain Outcome MeasurementsComplications, range of motion, and patient-reported functional outcomes scores (DASH, PROMIS physical function, and EQ-5D)ResultsEighty-two of 114 patients (72%) underwent early surgery. Complex (4-part, head-split, dislocated) fractures were significantly more common in the acutely treated group. There was no significant difference in complications. Overall complication rate was 11.4%. There was a significant difference in DASH score favoring early surgery, with an average score of 22.4 in acutely treated patients versus 35.1 in delayed patients (p = 0.034). There was a non-statistically significant trend towards better PROMIS physical function scores and ROM in the acutely treated group.ConclusionDelay in performing primary rTSA for management of PHF does not lead to an increase in complication rates but it may come at the cost of worse functional outcomes in patients who ultimately require rTSA.