Die winkelstabile Osteosynthese am proximalen Humerus mit der PHILOS-Platte

BACKGROUND: Proximal fracture of the humeral head is the third most frequent fracture in humans. Most (70%) of those affected are over 60 years old. It is hoped that advanced locking medullary screws or plates will reduce the risk of secondary dislocation of screws or fracture segments when the bone of the humeral head is osteoporotic. METHODS: From January 2002 to August 2005, 225 displaced humeral head fractures in 223 patients aged on average 66+/-15 years were treated with a new locking proximal humeral plate. RESULTS: In 176 patients in whom follow-up was possible, the average Constant Score after 9 months was 70+/-19 points (raw data), or 81+/-22% in the normalized score. No significant difference was detected between the younger group up to 65 years of age (73% points) and those over 65 years of age (80% points). Axial deviations by more than 30 degrees were noted in 11 (5%), and of 159 displaced tubercles, malreduction by more than 5 mm was noted in 14 (9%). Two infections and two haematomas had to be treated so far. Primary screw perforations were seen in 24 (11%) cases as well as further implant dislocations in 3 (1,7%). Plate dislocations out of the shaft existed in 4 (2,4%) and 14 collapses of the humeral head with secondary screw perforations were recorded. All other complications arose out of technical faults, such as 24 screw perforations (11%) into the glenohumeral joint and 3 (1.7%) cases of secondary implant dislocation from the humeral head and 5 (3%) from the shaft, and 14 (8%) sinterings with glenohumeral screw perforation. So far, in addition to 1 case of pseudarthrosis with a broken plate, 5 (3%) cases of total and 9 (5%) of partial avascular humeral head necrosis have been observed. CONCLUSION: The new implant provides superior stability in the fixation of humeral head fragments and has proved its worth in everyday clinical practice when additional indirect fixation of the tubercle is needed, as it frequently is in elderly patients.     

Die additive Zuggurtung der Rotatorenmanschette bei der winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

Objective

Can additive fiber cerclage (FC) reduce secondary displacement in unstable 3-part proximal humeral fractures stabilized by angle-stable plates? Is there any effect of different head screw configurations?

Methode

An unstable 3-part fracture model of the humeral head was developed by preserving the rotator cuff in 24 paired, osteoporotic shoulder specimens. 6 pairs were stabilized by PHILOS® plates, and 6 others by HSP®. Each left shoulder received FC. 4 groups arose (n=6): I) HSP® with FC, II) HSP without FC, III) PHILOS® plate with FC, and IV) PHILOS plate without FC. 4 physiological load cases were simulated by a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. Using real-time analysis, interfragmentary motion was measured.

Results

Matched-pair analysis of the groups with FC vs. those without FC showed no significant differences in motion at gap I (greater tuberosity head) or II (subcapital) in any load case, apart from interior rotation in groups III and IV at gap II; in these, motion was greater without FC. No differences were seen with different head screw configurations in any load cases.

Conclusions

In cases of anatomical reduction and optimally placed implants, FC did not show an additional stabilizing effect in the unstable 3-part fracture model. Different head screw configurations did not influence stability.     

Biomechanische Untersuchung der winkelstabilen Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

Introduction

Proximal humeral fractures are common in the elderly population and are often associated with osteoporosis. Fixation of unstable proximal humeral fractures is problematic due to loss of fixation in osteoporotic bone. Fixed-angle devices are intended to provide superior mechanical stability due to the principle of an internal fixator. The NCB®-PH (non-contact-bridging proximal humerus) plate is a new fixed-angle device that locks the screws to the plate by secondary insertion of a locking cap. The aim of this study was to investigate if and to what extent NCB-PH plates applied in the locked mode provide higher mechanical stability in a proximal humerus fracture model.

Methods

For this investigation 16 (8 pairs) fresh frozen cadaveric humeri were used. An AO/ASIF 11-B 1 fracture of the proximal humerus was created in each bone and fixed with the NCB-PH plate. In a paired setting one bone was fixed with the plate in the locked mode and the other with the plate in the non-locked mode. The bones were then subjected to 100 cycles of axial loading and interfragmentary motion was measured. Bones surviving this test were subjected to load-to-failure testing and the force at which failure occurred was recorded.

Results

Bones fixed with the plate in the locked mode showed a statistically significant lower (51%) interfragmentary rotation compared to bones fixed with the plate in the non-locked mode. There was also a tendency for the bones fixed with the plate in the locked mode to fail first under higher forces (16%) during load-to-failure testing.

Conclusion

The NCB-PH plate provides superior interfragmentary stability when used in the locked mode in a human cadaveric proximal humerus fracture model. Therefore, we recommend that all screws should be inserted in the locked mode. The results suggest that the NCB-PH plate in the locked mode provides higher primary postoperative stability thus permitting early functional treatment of the patient.     

Winkelstabile Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

Because of the high complication rate and the correspondingly poor outcome in some cases, the problem of how best to treat fractures of the proximal humerus remains unsolved. This clinical study was designed to compare results of internal fixation with a fixed-angle plate and those obtained by conventional methods of internal fixation, with the intention of finding when this new procedure is really indicated. The fixed-angle plating procedure has sometimes been too generously used, even in osteoporotic four-part fractures, in addition to which it involves some specific technical problems, so that the complication rate is comparable to those of established procedures. The clinical outcome measured with the ASES score suggests that the clinical results can be expected to improve when correct indications for the new method are insisted upon.     

Minimalinvasive Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

Proximal humerus fractures are one of the most common fractures which mainly occur in older patients. Historically these fractures had been treated mainly conservatively, but today a more anatomic reduction is advocated particularly of the tubercles with early functional aftercare. Besides the commonly used open deltapectoral approach, a minimally invasive anterolateral deltoid-splitting approach can be used even for proximal diaphyseal fractures for percutaneous plate fixation.     

Die winkelstabile Platte zur Behandlung der 3- und 4-Fragmentfraktur am proximalen Humerus

Background

The proximal humeral fracture depicts one of the most frequent fractures in traumatology in general and especially in gerontotraumatology. The standard procedure of open reduction and fixation with a locking plate is associated with high complication rates.

Material and methods

A total of 34 patients with a complication after treatment with a locking plate in 2007 and 2008 at our clinic were examined with a mean follow-up of 23 months. Patients without complications (n=34) represented the control group.

Results

The examination revealed a rate of 50% of undesired events, mainly screw perforations (76%). If a complication occurred, the functional result was poor (Constant Murley Score, CMS, 43, age-adapted CMS 53), the revision rate was high and the patient satisfaction was low. A statistically significant, negative predictive factor for a complication was the 4-fragment fracture and multimorbidity, especially neurologic and psychiatric diseases, e.g., dementia.

Conclusion

Older patients with a 4-part fracture and multiple secondary diagnoses like dementia should be treated with a primary prosthesis.     

Komplikationsmanagement nach winkelstabiler Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

PURPOSE: In this prospective study, complications observed after angularly stable proximal humerus plate fixation (locking proximal humerus plate) were analysed by deriving specific therapies.PATIENTS: Fifty patients (median age 65 years, range 25-84 years, 39 female, 11 male) with displaced proximal humerus fractures (seven single, 36 double, and seven triple fractures) were evaluated 3, 6, and 12 months after angularly stable plate fixation using a standard protocol.RESULTS: Age- and gender-matched median constant scores 12 months postoperatively showed for the three fracture types 86, 87, and 55 points and complication rates of 14, 19, and 100%, respectively. There were seven primary and seven secondary implant displacements, five humeral head necroses, four osseous malalignments, two nonunions, two deep infections, and one heterotopic ossification. Nine reoperations were required in six patients: implant removal (n=3), reosteosynthesis (n=2), revision because of nonunion (n=2), and deep infection (n=2).CONCLUSIONS: Differentiated analysis of complications and the development of specific prevention and therapeutic strategies considering surgical technique, implant, fracture morphology, and humeral head perfusion minimize the rate of complications observed after angularly stable locking proximal humerus plate fixation.     

Arthroskopische Materialentfernung nach winkelstabiler Plattenosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

Background

Implant removal is necessary in up to 25% of patients with plate osteosynthesis after proximal humeral fracture. Our new technique of arthroscopic implant removal offers all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. This study outlines the first results after arthroscopic implant removal in comparison with those of open implant removal.

Material and methods

Twenty patients [median age 64 (30-82) years] had arthroscopic and nine patients [median age 53 (34-76) years] had open implant removal. Median 9.5 months after implant removal subjective patient satisfaction, Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) were determined.

Results

Arthroscopic implant removal showed first results comparable to open implant removal. The SST outlined advantages for the arthroscopic technique. In 85% of arthroscopically treated patients concomitant intra-articular lesions were observed.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic implant removal offers all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and first results comparable to open implant removal. The subjective and objective satisfaction of the patients is high. The technique can be applied and established by all skilled arthroscopic shoulder surgeons.     

Die Frakturen am proximalen Radiusende

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Komplikationen der Nagelosteosynthese am proximalen Humerus

In a prospective outcome study, 76 of 116 patients were examined 1 year after reduction and internal fixation of a dislocated humeral head fracture with an antegrade straight intramedullary nailing system using angular and sliding stable interlocking screws. Of these patients, 77% had three- or four-segment fractures according to the Neer classification. The mean absolute Constant-Murley score 1 year after trauma was 70.0±19.7 points. During the observation period, 51 complications occurred in 44 of 76 patients; of these 44 patients, only 27 required therapeutic interventions. The highest frequency of complications was apparent in those with Neer IV fractures (73.7%), while those with Neer III and Neer IV/III fractures had complication rates of 50% and 52.5%, respectively. Patients without complications showed good or excellent functional results, ranging from 78% to 96% (relative Constant-Murley score of the contralateral noninjured side). In patients with complications, the relative Constant-Murley score ranged from 51% to 65%. Despite the high complication rate, the antegrade angular and sliding stable interlocking nail can be considered effective for treating dislocated humeral head fractures. Modifications of the surgical technique for stabilizing the tubercles (additional suture cerclage fixation of fragmented tubercles) and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) insert in the proximal segment of the nail to prevent the fixation screws from backing out can substantially decrease some of the most frequent complications.     

Die palmare winkelstabile Plattenosteosynthese bei Extensionsfrakturen des distalen Radius

Objective

Bony healing of dislocated distal radius fractures after open reduction and internal stabilization by locking screws/pins using palmar approach.

Indications

Extraarticular distal radius fractures type A2/A3, simple extra- and intraarticular fractures type C1 according to the AO classification, provided a palmar approach is possible.

Contraindications

Forearm soft tissue lesions/infections. As a single procedure if a volar approach not possible.

Surgical technique

Palmar approach to the distal radius and fracture. Open reduction. Palmar fixation of the plate to radial shaft with single screw. After fluoroscopy, distal fragments fixed using locking screws.

Postoperative management

Below-the-elbow cast for 2 weeks. Early exercise of thumb and fingers, wrist mobilization after cast removal. Complete healing after 6–8 weeks.

Results

Ten patients averaged 100?% range of motion of the unaffected side after 43±21 months. No complications observed. DASH score averaged 12±16 points; Krimmer wrist score was excellent in 7, good in 2, and fair in one.

     

Volare winkelstabile vs. dorsale Plattenosteosynthese bei der distalen Radiusextensionsfraktur

Introduction

This study investigated the radiographic and functional outcomes of two different methods for treating fractures of the distal part of the radius.

Patients and methods

In a prospective controlled study patients with forearm fractures were randomized by age, handedness, and fracture type.

Results

The study included 120 patients, with a mean age of 66 years. Forty-nine percent of the fractures were extraarticular, and 51% were intraarticular. In the group treated with volar locking compression plates, six patients needed operative decompression of the median nerve and one needed reconstruction of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. The group with dorsal plating had three complications requiring operative treatment: one deep infection, one dislocation of the plate, and one reconstruction of the EPL tendon. The radiological results for the Stewart 1 score showed 68% excellent results in volar locking compression plating compared with 57% in dorsal plating. Regarding functional outcome, 48% with volar plating showed excellent results compared with 22% with dorsal plating, as measured by the Stewart 2 score.

Conclusion

Despite significant advantages of the volar locked compression plating, subjective satisfaction did not differ between the two groups.     

锁定接骨板治疗肱骨近端骨折

目的探讨肱骨近端锁定接骨板治疗肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效。方法59例肱骨近端骨折,其中男32例,女27例患者平均年龄50.5岁(22～82岁)。按Neer分类法,二部分骨折23例;三部分骨折24例;四部分骨折12例。结果X线片观察骨折愈合时间7.4周(6～12周)。按照Constant评分标准,功能优34例,良19例,中6例,优良率为89.8%。结论肱骨近端锁定接骨板治疗肱骨近端骨折手术简单、微创、固定可靠、并发症少、骨折愈合率高,别是老年骨质疏松患者首选治疗方法。     

AO肱骨近端锁定接骨板治疗肱骨近端骨折

目的探讨应用AO肱骨近端锁定接骨板(lock ing proxim al hum erus p late,LPHP)治疗肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效。方法2003年1月~2005年1月共收治16例肱骨近端骨折患者。骨折按Neer分类:Ⅱ型骨折3例,Ⅲ型骨折8例,Ⅳ型骨折5例。所有病例采用LPHP内固定骨折。对骨质疏松明显、复位后有骨缺损者行纳米人工骨植入。结果平均随访8.6个月。X线示愈合时间平均7.6周。于术后8~14个月拆除内固定,无骨折畸形愈合、延迟愈合或不愈合发生。Constant评分:优10例,良5例,中1例,优良率为93.8%。结论LPHP具有操作灵活、固定可靠、并发症少、功能恢复好等优点,对肱骨近端骨折,特别是粉碎性骨折及伴骨质疏松者,是一种较好的内固定材料。