骨质疏松性肱骨近端骨折PMMA骨水泥强化螺钉钢板固定的有限元分析

目的：借助有限元分析的方法探讨肱骨近端聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯（polymethyl methacrylate,PMMA）骨水泥强化螺钉钢板固定对骨质疏松性肱骨近端骨折内固定稳定性的影响。方法：制作肱骨近端2部分骨折伴干骺端骨缺损的不稳定肱骨近端骨折数字化模型,分别建立肱骨近端骨水泥强化螺钉钢板固定及普通螺钉钢板固定的有限元模型,分析螺钉周围松质骨应力、整体刚度、钢板最大应力及螺钉最大应力。结果：肱骨近端骨水泥强化螺钉钢板固定的头端6枚螺钉周围松质骨最大应力分别为：1号钉1.07 MPa,2号钉0.43 MPa,3号钉1.16 MPa,4号钉0.34 MPa,5号钉1.99 MPa,6号钉1.57 MPa,普通螺钉钢板固定为：1号钉2.68 MPa,2号钉0.67 MPa,3号钉4.37 MPa,4号钉0.75 MPa,5号钉3.30 MPa、6号钉2.47 MPa。两组模型的整体刚度分别为：骨水泥结构448 N/mm、普通结构434 N/mm。钢板的最大应力均出现在结合孔：骨水泥结构701 MPa、普通结构420 MPa。螺钉的最大应力均出现在4号钉的尾端：骨水泥结构284 MPa、普通结构...     

Mid-term functional and radiological outcomes after total hip replacement performed for complications of acetabular fractures

ObjectiveAcetabular fractures can lead to serious complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN), osteoarthritis, non-union. Total hip replacement (THR) is a treatment option for these complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcomes of THR at least 5 years after the primary implantation.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed clinical data from 77 patients (59 males, 18 females) who were treated from 2001 to 2022. Data was collected on the incidence of AVN of the femoral head, complications, interval from fracture to THR, reimplantation. The modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) was used to evaluate outcome.ResultsThe mean age at the time of fracture was 48 years. Avascular necrosis developed in 56 patients (73%), with 3 cases of non-union. Osteoarthritis without AVN developed in 20 patients (26%), non-union without AVN in one patient (1%). The mean time from fracture to THR was 24 months for AVN with non-union, 23 months for AVN alone, 22 months for AVN with arthritis, 49 months for hip osteoarthritis without AVN. The time interval was significantly shorter for cases of AVN than for cases of osteoarthritis without AVN (p = 0.0074). Type C1 acetabular fracture was found to be a risk factor for femoral head AVN (p = 0.0053). Common complications of acetabular fractures included post-traumatic sciatic nerve paresis (17%), deep venous thrombosis (4%), infections (4%). Hip dislocation was the most common complication of THR (17%). There were no cases of thrombosis following THR. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the proportion of patients without revision surgery within 10-year period was 87.4% (95% CI 86.7–88.1). The results of the MHHS after THR: 59.3% of patients had excellent results, 7.4% good, 9.3% satisfactory results, and 24.0% had poor results. The mean MHHS was 84 points (95% CI 78.5–89.5). Paraarticular ossifications were observed in 69.4% of patients in the radiological evaluation.ConclusionTotal hip replacement is an effective treatment for serious complications of acetabular fracture treatment. Its results are comparable to THR peformed for other indications, although it is associated with a higher number of paraarticular ossifications. Type C1 acetabular fracture was found to be a significant risk factor for early femoral head AVN.     

Solely sutures is a reliable fixation for valgus-impacted proximal humeral fractures

PurposeValgus impacted proximal humeral fractures with substantial displacement may severely compromise shoulder function and open reduction can therefore be considered. Internal fixation hardware may eventually however constitute problems. In a small subset of these fractures, in which there is no medial comminution and intact blood supply it is possible to use a least possible fixation method with solely sutures through the tendons of the rotator cuff and the shaft as described by Bigliani 1990. The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcome of this fixation method in a retrospective series of patients.MethodsTwenty-seven patients, 23 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 66 years (53–83) and minimum follow-up time of 2 years (2–11 years) accepted follow-up with standard shoulder radiographs and 22 were examined with Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Constant-Murley (CM) shoulder score and Numeric Rating Scale for pain (NRS). Reoperations or adverse events were recorded.ResultsThe median OSS was 45 (range 5–48) and CM 63 (range 21–98). The relative CM score was 81% of the uninjured side and median NRS 0 (range 0–5). No reoperations were undertaken. One patient had a complete avascular necrosis (AVN), 3 patients had a partial AVN of the humeral head and two a partial resorption of the greater tuberosity.ConclusionThe use of sutures only for fixation of displaced valgus-impacted proximal humeral fractures provided a relatively reliable outcome with good functional scores and no reoperations. There appears to be no need for the use of hardware for fixation of this rare subset of fractures.     

ORIF versus MIPO for humeral shaft fractures: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized clinical trials and observational studies

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the optimal operative technique for humeral shaft fractures. This meta-analysis aims to compare minimal-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for humeral shaft fractures regarding non-union, re-intervention, radial nerve palsy, time to union, operation duration and functional outcomes.MethodsPubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL were searched for both randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing MIPO with ORIF for humeral shaft fractures. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models and presented as weighted odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD), mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by study design (RCTs and observational studies).ResultsA total of two RCT's (98 patients) and seven observational studies (263 patients) were included. The effect estimates obtained from observational studies and RCT's were similar in direction and magnitude. MIPO carries a lower risk for non-union (RD: 5%; OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9) and secondary radial nerve palsy (RD 5%; OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1- 0.9). Nerve function eventually restored spontaneously in all patients in both groups. Results were inconclusive regarding re-intervention (RD 7%; OR: 0.7, 95%CI 0.2-1.9), infection (RD 4%; OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.1-1.5), time to union (MD -1 week, 95%CI -3 – 1) and operation duration (MD -13 minutes, 95%CI -38.9 – 11.9). Functional shoulder scores (SMD 0.01, 95%CI -0.3 – 0.3) and elbow scores (SMD 0.01, 95%CI -0.3 – 0.3) were similar for the different operative techniques.ConclusionMIPO has a lower risk for non-union than ORIF for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Radial nerve palsy secondary to operation is a temporary issue resolving in all patients in both treatment groups. Although both treatment options are viable, the general balance leans towards MIPO having more favorable outcomes.     

A nomogram for predicting reduction loss risk after locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures

PurposeThe purpose of our study was to determine the risk factors for reduction loss in patients with proximal humeral fractures after locking plate fixation and establish a nomogram prediction model.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of proximal humeral fractures patients who had been surgically treated for locking plate in our institution from January 2016 to December 2018. Perioperative information was obtained through the electronic medial record system, univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to determine the risk factors of reduction loss, and a nomogram model was constructed to predict the risk of reduction loss. The predictive performance and consistency of the model were evaluated by the consistency coefficient (C-index) and the calibration curve, respectively.Results115 patients were finally enrolled in our study. Multivariate analysis results showed that age, fracture classification, medial comminution, and calcar screw status were independent risk factors for reduction loss. The accuracy of the contour map for predicting transfusion risk was 0.944.ConclusionWe found a correlation between reduction loss and age, fracture classification, medial comminution, and calcar screw status after locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures patients. Our nomogram is helpful for clinicians to identify high-risk patients, early intervention and reduce the incidence of reduction loss.     

螺钉及克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨外髁骨折疗效的Meta分析

目的: 通过Meta分析系统评价螺钉及克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨外髁骨折的临床疗效。方法: 计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane、Web of Science、中国知网、万方数据库建库至2022年2月国内外发表的有关螺钉和克氏针内固定治疗儿童肱骨外髁骨折的文献。根据设定的纳入与排除标准筛选文献并进行质量评价,结局指标为愈合优良率、畸形愈合率、延迟愈合率或骨不连率、感染率、活动受限(>10°)发生率,使用RevMan 5.3软件进行统计分析。结果: 共纳入9项回顾性研究涉及647例患者,其中螺钉固定组(含螺钉联合克氏针)255例,克氏针固定组392例。Meta分析显示,与克氏针组相比,螺钉组(含螺钉联合克氏针)在术后有更低的感染率[OR=0.22,95 %CI(0.09,0.56),P=0.001]。两组间愈合优良率、畸形愈合率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。亚组分析显示,单纯螺钉组术后感染率显著低于克氏针组[OR=0.18,95 %CI(0.05,0.65),P=0.009]。结论: 对于手术治疗儿童肱骨外髁骨折,与克氏针内固定和螺钉联合克氏针内固定相比,单纯螺钉内固定拥有更低的感染率。而在愈合优良率、畸形愈合率方面三者无显著差异。就术后疗效及内固定安全性方面而言,更推荐骨科医师使用螺钉进行儿童肱骨外髁骨折的固定。     

解剖锁定钢板结合注射式人工骨植骨治疗老年肱骨近端外展嵌插四部分骨折

目的探讨解剖锁定钢板结合注射式人工骨植骨治疗老年肱骨近端外展嵌插四部分骨折的疗效。 方法回顾性分析2014年7月至2018年5月复旦大学附属浦东医院采用解剖锁定钢板结合注射式人工骨植骨治疗的11例老年肱骨近端外展嵌插四部分骨折患者的病例资料,其中男性4例、女性7例;平均年龄72岁。评估术后情况、肩关节功能及术后并发症。 结果末次随访时,患者视觉模拟评分平均1.6分;多数患者肩关节功能恢复良好,肩关节活动范围：平均前屈角度166°,平均外展角度166°;平均Constant-Murley评分为86.2分;前臂、肩及手快速残疾调查评分平均18.9分。随访过程中无病例出现肱骨头缺血性坏死、螺钉切出或其他内固定失败。 结论注射式人工骨植骨一方面填塞外展嵌插复位后造成的骨缺损,另一方面提高螺钉的把持力,可有效解决近端螺钉切出的问题,解剖锁定钢板结合注射式人工骨植骨是治疗老年肱骨近端外展嵌插四部分骨折的有效选择。     

Functional outcome following proximal humeral interlocking system plating for displaced proximal humeral fractures

Aim:

To assess the functional outcome following internal fixation with the PHILOS (proximal humeral interlocking system) for displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Patients and Methods:

We reviewed 30 consecutive patients treated surgically with the proximal humeral locking plate for a displaced proximal humeral fracture. Functional outcome was determined using the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score and Constant Murley score.

Results:

Average age of the patients was 58 years (range, 19-92 years). The average overall ASES score was 66.5. The average overall Constant score was 57.5.

Conclusion:

Our results show that good fracture stability was achieved, and the functional outcome was very good in younger patients and it declined with increasing age. Early mobilization of the shoulder can be achieved without compromising fracture union.     

肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗肱骨近端粉碎性骨折

目的评价肱骨近端锁定钢板（LPHP）治疗肱骨粉碎性骨折的治疗效果。方法2004年6月～2007年12月应用肱骨近端锁定钢板治疗肱骨近端骨折32例,男14例、女18例,年龄23～85岁,平均57．1±5．8岁。根据Neer分型：二部分骨折6例,三部分骨折21例,四部分骨折5例。术后利用Constant评分评价其治疗效果。结果随诊10个月～3．5年,平均2．1±0．8年,4例失访,随访期末均顺利愈合。1例出现肱骨头部分坏死,但不影响功能;3例出现肩关节半脱位;2例保守治疗缓解;1例出现肩关节撞击征。根据Constant评分为优良率89．2％（25／28）。结论肱骨近端锁定钢板（LPHP）是治疗肱骨近端粉碎性骨折的首选方法之一．可取得较好的临床治疗结果。     

Modified use of a proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate in extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fractures

BackgroundSurgical treatment of extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fractures is controversial in terms of surgical approach and position of implant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a modified application of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate in extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fractures.Materials and methodsA total of 23 patients with extra-articular distal humerus fractures were treated using either open plating or the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with upside down application of the PHILOS plate. Fracture configuration, number of screws in the distal fragment, and time to union were analysed. Elbow range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and complications were evaluated at the final follow-up.ResultsFracture union was obtained in all patients at a mean postoperative time of 20.8 ± 2.9 weeks. The mean shortest and longest cortical lengths were 50.7 ± 14.0 mm and 85.2 ± 12.4 mm, respectively. The average number of screws in the distal humeral fragment was 5.6 ± 0.7. No statistically significant correlation was observed between the shortest cortical length and number of screws in the distal fragment (p = 0.224) or between the longest cortical length and the number of screws in the distal humeral fragment (p = 0.956). The average MEPS was 97.6 (range, 75–100). No postoperative complications that required reoperation were occured.ConclusionA modified anterior application of the PHILOS plate in extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal humeral fracture showed satisfactory outcomes, so it is an alternative when considering the ability to increase plate-screw density with locking screw fixation in a distal humeral fragment.Level of evidenceTherapeutic level IV, case series.     

Ender's针在肱骨干骨折中的临床应用

目的　总结Ender’s针治疗肱骨干骨折的经验。方法　采用Ender’s针内固定治疗肱骨干骨折 2 8例。结果　经 8至 2 0个月的随访 ,2 8例均达到骨性愈合 ,其中 2 5例达到解剖复位 ,患肢肩关节、肘关节功能恢复正常 ;2例分别有 5°和 8°成角 ,但不影响功能 ;1例肩关节外展上举功能仅达 80°。结论　Ender’s针内固定治疗肱骨干骨折具有切口小、骨膜剥离少、固定效果可靠、骨折愈合率高、不易引起桡神经麻痹或损伤、再次取出简便等优点 ,是一种简单有效的治疗方法。     

髓内钉与干骺端锁定加压钢板治疗肱骨投弹骨折的疗效比较

背景：投弹骨折是部队新训期间常见的训练伤之一,手术治疗可以达到早期功能锻炼的目的,本文对应用髓内钉和锁定加压钢板的疗效进行了比较。 目的：比较闭合复位、AO非扩髓肱骨髓内钉系统（UHN）经皮置钉固定与切开复位干骺端锁定加压钢板（LCP）内固定治疗肱骨投弹骨折的临床疗效。 方法：2007年1月至2010年12月,对32例肱骨干中下段投弹骨折的患者随机分为两组,UHN组（15例）均采用闭合复位、顺行经皮带锁髓内钉内固定技术、LCP组（17例）均采用后路切开复位、干骺端锁定加压钢板内固定技术治疗。通过手术时间、失血量、骨折平均愈合时间、切口并发症、周围神经损伤和肩肘关节Rodriguez-Merchan评分评定疗效。 结果：所有患者均获得随访,时间12-47（31±12．5）个月。UHN组与LCP组在手术时间、出血量、骨折平均愈合时间及切口并发症等方面差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,在周围神经损伤、肩肘关节功能评分方面无明显统计学差异。结论：UHN与干骺端LCP治疗肱骨投弹骨折均可获得满意疗效。髓内钉具有创伤小、切口并发症少的优势,但平均愈合时问及手术时间相对较长。     

手法闭合复位经皮微创固定治疗肱骨近端骨折的病例对照研究

目的：采用手法闭合复位经皮运用锁定接骨板微创固定治疗肱骨近端骨折与常规切口切开复位内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折,比较两种方法临床效果.方法：2008年4月至2012年3月,75例肱骨近端骨折,男26例,女49例;年龄22～80岁,平均52.1岁;受伤至手术时间平均2.2d;分为微创组和常规组.微创组33例,男12例,女21例;平均年龄（47.30±8.72）岁;Neer分型Ⅱ型22例,Ⅲ型11例;在手法闭合复位后,采用锁定接骨板经肩峰下三角肌小切口插入固定进行治疗.常规组42例,男16例,女26例;平均年龄（49.10±9.29）岁;Neer分型Ⅱ型27例,Ⅲ型15例;手术经常规的三角肌胸大肌间隙入路,显露骨折端,直视下复位后用锁定接骨板固定治疗.分别记录两种术式的手术操作时间、出血量和手术切口长度;应用VAS评分记录术后1、3d手术伤口疼痛情况;比较两组骨折愈合时间,随访记录采用Constant-Murley评分对疗效进行评定并进行两组比较,同时比较两种患者术后肩关节正位X线片上肱骨近端颈干角.结果：75例均获随访,时间8～24个月.微创组手术切口（6.74±0.38） cm,常规组（16.82±1.74） cm,微创组较常规组切口小;微创组出血（110.15±29.49） ml,常规组（326.19±59.71）ml,微创组较常规组出血少;微创组手术时间（48.60±10.18） min,常规组（68.84±16.22） min,微创组较常规组手术时间短.常规组3例出现骨不连并再次手术,2例出现肱骨头坏死.微创组Constant-Murley评分88.94±2.57,常规组86.00±3.36,微创组评分高于常规组.结论：手法复位经皮运用锁定接骨板微创固定治疗肱骨近端骨折,既能减少手术创伤,又能保证关节的早期功能活动,使肩关节功能迅速恢复,具有创伤小、血运破坏少、固定可靠等优点,与常规手术方法相比更具有优势.     

Healing process after rigid plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures revisited

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the radiological healing process after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral shaft fractures with plate.

Materials and methods

We reviewed the data of 53 consecutive patients who had undergone rigid plate fixation of OTA 12 A or B humeral shaft fracture. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 39.4 (range 16–82). Quality of reduction and healing process was analysed on radiographs. Clinical symptom and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores were recorded at follow-up visits.

Results

There were 28 compression and 25 neutralization platings. The mean gap size on the postoperative radiograph was 1.4 (range 0.1–6.1). 50 cases (94.3 %) healed, while three cases ended up with non-union. 28 (52.8 %) cases showed primary healing and 22 cases (41.5 %) showed secondary healing with callus bridging. Among the cases with secondary healing, callus formation with resorption was identified in 13 cases. The type of fracture, mode of compression and size of gap on radiographs after rigid plate fixation were found to be statistically significant factors for healing type (p = 0.026, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). Three cases with non-union showed no improvement in DASH scores.

Conclusion

Both primary and secondary healing processes were observed after rigid plate fixation of OTA 12 A or B humeral shaft fractures. Our study revealed that size of gap, mode of compression, type of fracture could affect the type of healing, and that periosteal callus formation can occur after rigid plate fixation.     

经皮微创锁定钢板内固定术与传统切开复位内固定术治疗肱骨近段粉碎性骨折疗效比较

目的比较经皮微创锁定钢板内固定术(MIPPO)和传统AO切开复位普通钢板内固定术(ORIF)治疗肱骨近段粉碎性骨折的临床效果。方法对肱骨近段粉碎性骨折用MIPPO技术治疗24例、传统ORIF治疗20例,对两组的临床效果进行比较。结果MIPPO组有2例术中进行骨移植术;术后随访20～48(25.3±3.4)个月,均获骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间12～20(14.83±3.83)周;3例有5°以上的轻度内外翻畸形;按Neer功能评分:优13例,良8例。ORIF组有9例进行骨移植术;随访20～48(21.2±3.1)个月,3例出现肱骨头坏死,余患者均获得骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间16～32(24.24±4.88)周;2例发生5°的外翻畸形,1例出现螺钉松动;Neer功能评分:优5例,良7例。两组均无感染和内固定断裂等并发症发生。两组在骨折愈合时间和功能恢复方面比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论用MIPPO技术治疗肱骨近段粉碎性骨折可以降低植骨需求,在骨折愈合及术后功能恢复方面有明显优势。     

Plating in Proximal Humeral Fractures

Abstract Improved imaging, updated knowledge regarding humeral head perfusion and adapted fixation techniques with implants having better purchase also in osteopenic bone, have influenced the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in recent years. Demographic evolution and a more active population even among the older age groups will increase the incidence of this fracture, which is already the third most frequent fracture after hip and distal radius fractures in elderly patients. Long-term morbidity related to the treatment of these fractures like avascular humeral head necrosis, non-union, malunion, shoulder stiffness, persistent pain and functional disability are the challenging factors to be overcome. Plate osteosynthesis with angular stable implants have shown to address some of these problems and to broaden the spectrum of indication towards anatomic fracture stabilization even for severely displaced three- and four-part fractures instead of replacing the humeral head with an endoprosthesis, as long as a stable fixation is possible. Open access surgery is often needed for anatomic reconstruction of complex and displaced fractures. This calls for immediate postoperative mobilization with active-assisted ROM exercise to prevent subdeltoidal adhesions. Even though plating of proximal humeral fractures with angular stable implants has shown promising first clinical results, there still remain elevated complication rates especially in the elderly osteoporotic patient population. Recent clinical reports using angular stable plates provided only data with a low level of evidence to help in decision-making. The comparison with historical series using non-angular stable plates in respect to the long-term morbidity should help to better evaluate the value of locked plates inserted with less-extensive soft-tissue exposure.     

Humeral head necrosis rate at mid-term follow-up after open reduction and angular stable plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures

Introduction

Short-term follow-up of angular stable fixation for proximal humeral fractures has been well documented in the literature. Longer follow-up series are difficult to find. However, especially regarding the risk of avascular humeral head necrosis longer follow-up series are high of clinical relevance.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 66 years and treated with open reduction and angular stable internal fixation for proximal humeral fractures were followed up for a mean of 45 months. The clinical and radiographic follow-up (Constant Score (CS), age and gender related Constant Score (agCS), Constant Score in comparison to the contralateral side (%CS) and shoulder anterior-posterior and lateral view and axial view X-rays) was performed postoperatively.

Results

Clinical results after 45 months showed a mean CS of 66.2 ± 15.4 points with a mean agCS of 90.0 ± 23.1%. Evaluation of the %CS showed 77.7 ± 17.8%. %CS results showed no significant differences after 45 months in comparison to those obtained after 12 months. However, incidence of avascular necrosis of the humeral head doubled over the follow-up period from 4 cases at 12 months follow-up to 9 cases at final follow-up.

Conclusion

Results of open reduction and internal fixation with angular stable implants for proximal humeral fractures are reliable, however long-term complications such as avascular necrosis of the humeral head need to be evaluated further on since its incidence increases over the time.     

Combined displaced fracture of the lesser humeral tuberosity and the scapular spine: A case report

Introduction Combined displaced fractures of the lesser humeral tuberosity and the scapular spine are highly uncommon and have not been previously reported in literature.Case presentationThe authors report a novel case of a 24 year-old male who sustained displaced fractures of the lesser humeral tuberosity and the scapular spine. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed with a LCP T-plate for the lesser tuberosity and with a LCP Distal Humerus Plate for the scapular spine. At one year, both fractures healed in anatomical alignment and the patient achieved good range of motion and a Constant score of 94 points.DiscussionWhile isolated fractures of the scapular spine and the lesser tuberosity can be treated conservatively, combination fractures as in the present case are highly unstable. While sufficient evidence is lacking to favor surgical treatment over conservative management, ORIF provided sufficient stability for early mobilization and led to good clinical results.ConclusionBased on the favorable outcome of our case, we provide useful recommendations for surgeons faced with similar injuries.     

Mid-term results of internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with the Philos plate

Objective

To report our experience from the use of the Philos^® plate for the treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures and to investigate factors influencing the final outcome.

Materials and methods

Between April 2005 and September 2007, 29 Philos plates were implanted in 17 women and 12 men, with a mean age of 62.3 years (range: 28–80 years). Positioning of the plate was performed under fluoroscopic control, through a deltopectoral approach and with the patient in the beach chair position. 27 patients were available for follow-up (mean: 17.9 months; range: 12–39). Follow-up included plain shoulder radiographs and functional assessment with Constant–Murley score.

Results

Healing of the fracture occurred uneventfully within 6 months. In three patients, humeral head collapsed due to aseptic necrosis after fracture healing and the plate had to be removed in two cases. In one patient, fracture healing occurred in >10° varus displacement. The clinical result according to the Constant–Murley score was 86 points (range: 58–112).

Conclusions

Internal fixation with the Philos plate seems to be a reliable option in the operative treatment of upper end humeral fractures, especially in osteoporotic bone. It allows secure fracture fixation and quick shoulder mobilisation, while quick and uneventful fracture healing and very satisfactory clinical results are achieved.     

Prediction of outcome after humeral diaphyseal fracture

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the demographic factors, functional outcome and radiological data to predict the outcome of humeral diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

We performed a prospective study on a consecutive series of 110 patients of 16 years or over, who had sustained a humeral diaphyseal fracture. There were 42 males and 68 females, with an average age of 59 years (range 16-93 years). A total of 72% sustained low-energy injuries, and 89 patients (81%) were primarily treated non-operatively.Shoulder function was assessed using the Neer's and Constant's scores at 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after injury. Muscle strength was determined isokinetically using a Biodex System 2 dynamometer. Non-union was defined as a failure to bridge at least three cortices and persistence of tenderness or mobility at the fracture site 16 weeks after fracture.

Results

Sixteen patients (17%) had non-union at 16 weeks, while 80 had achieved union and a further 14 were lost to follow-up. After stepwise multiple linear regression was performed to isolate independent factors affecting outcome, only the presence of a proximal diaphyseal fracture was found to predict non-union along with a poor Neer's score at 8 and 12 weeks. Poor Neer's scores could be predicted at 26 weeks by age (P < 0.05), previous stroke (P < 0.001) and non-union (P < 0.001). At 52 weeks both age (P < 0.01) and previous stroke (P < 0.01) were independently predictive of poorer Neer's scores. Malunion of any degree had no detectable effect on function.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that non-union of humeral diaphyseal fractures can be predicted in the presence of a proximal third fracture with a Neer's score of less than 45 by 12 weeks after fracture. Early surgery improves early function, but this is not a lasting effect. Poor shoulder function is predicted by increasing age, proximal third fractures and non-union. We recommend that surgery to promote union be considered at 12 weeks after fracture in fit patients with fractures of the proximal third of the humerus, poor Neer's scores and no radiographic progression to union.