Four-part Proximal Humeral Fractures Research Articles

Clinical outcome of proximal humeral internal locking system in treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of open reduction and internal locking system (PHILOS) in management of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly patients.Methods A retrospective study was performed on 18 elderly patients (age≥80 years) with proximal humeral fractures who were treated surgically from June 2008 to June 2010 and received complete follow-up.The fractures were Neer three- and four-part fractures and managed with PHILOS.Rehabilitation exercise was performed postoperatively and followed up regularly. Results The patients were followed up for average 15.3 months,which showed sound healing of all fractures.Shoulder joint function was assessed by Constant-Murley score that was 55 to 83 points (mean 72.5 points) at 12 months,with an overall excellence rate of 67％. Conclusion Open reduction and fixation with PHILOS can attain satisfactory clinical outcome for the elderly patients with three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. Key words: Shoulder fractures; Fracture fixation,internal; Aged,80 and over; Locking plate

Surgical Treatment With an Angular Stable Plate for Complex Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the study was to evaluate functional outcome, patient self-assessment, and radiographic outcome at 1 year in displaced three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures (OTA group 11-B2 and 11-C2). Randomized controlled trial. Academic medical center. Fifty patients aged 60 years or older with displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures and no previous shoulder injuries were randomized either to surgical treatment or to conservative closed treatment. Twenty-five patients were included in each group. Forty-eight patients completed 12-month follow-up. Two surgical patients died within 3 months. The surgically treated group had a standardized surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation using an angular stable plate and cerclages. Instructed physical therapy started the third postoperative day. The conservative treatment group had a standardized nonoperative treatment that included closed reduction if displacement between the head and metaphyseal shaft fragment exceeded 50% of the diaphyseal diameter. Physical therapy started on the fifteenth postoperative day. The main outcome was the mean difference in Constant score between the injured and noninjured shoulder at 12 months. The secondary outcomes were patient self-assessment (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score) and radiographic ratings at 12 months. At 12 months, mean Constant scores favored conservative treatment by 2.4 points (nonsignificant; P = 0.62). There was no significant difference in mean patient self-assessment. However, radiographic outcomes were significantly better for surgically treated patients. There is no evidence of a difference in functional outcome at 1-year follow-up between surgical treatment and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients.

A prospective study to assess the surgical outcome in three- and four-part proximal humerus fracture with PHILOS plate

Background: Optimal surgical management of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures in osteoporotic patients is controversial, with many advocating prosthetic replacement of the humeral head. Proximal humerus interlocking osteosyntheses that maintain angular stability under load have been proposed as an alternative to hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. Materials and Methods: The records showed 50 patients, with a mean age of 57.5 years. The Neer three-part proximal humeral fractures were 18 in number, and the four-part proximal humeral fractures were 32. All the patients were treated surgically between January 2008 and December 2010. All patients had a radiographic and clinical follow-up performed at one, three, and six months and at one year. The clinical outcomes were measured with the use of the Constant-Murley system. This study was based on level 1 of the evidence. Results: The mean Constant score (and standard deviation) at the time of the final follow-up was better in the locked-plate group. The mean Constant score was 80 (range, 40 - 100). Complications with this fixation included osteonecrosis in one patient, malunion in one patient, Axillary nerve palsy in one patient, and impingement syndrome in one patient. Conclusions: The most important factor for a favorable outcome in three- and four-part fractures in the proximal end humerus gives an accurate anatomical reduction, which is achieved by locking plate osteosynthesis, with multiplanar screws. It is a safe and effective method, with minimal tissue damage, higher primary stability, and load transfer through the implant, which are important to avoid complications. The PHILOS Plate produces promising functional outcomes.

Functional Outcome after Simultaneous Bilateral Four-Part Proximal Humerus Fracture: A Comparison of ORIF and Hemiarthroplasty in an Individual Patient

Simultaneous bilateral four-part proximal humeral fractures are rare. Four-part fractures of the proximal humerus are difficult for the patient and technically demanding for the surgeon. Our surgical tactic is to attempt open reduction and internal fixation where possible. We report the functional outcome in a 56-year-old female who sustained simultaneous bilateral four-part proximal humeral fractures after falling down a flight of stairs. Open reduction and internal fixation using threaded pins and tension band suture was performed on one side, and shoulder replacement hemiarthroplasty was required on the other. Functional assessment was undertaken at two years after surgery, using the Oxford Shoulder Score. Although the objective outcomes assessment revealed little difference, the patient herself expressed a preference for the side treated by internal fixation. We conclude that an attempt to retain the native humeral head and the surgical tactic that favours internal fixation where possible is appropriate in these injuries. Excellent function can be achieved following hemiarthroplasty for trauma in a fit patient.

Neer Four-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures: Can We Improve Quality of Life with Hemiarthroplasty Compared with Nonoperative Management?

Neer Four-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures: Can We Improve Quality of Life with Hemiarthroplasty Compared with Nonoperative Management?

Comparison of two different locking plates for two-, three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures—results of an international multicentre study

The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome, quality of restoration, and complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced or unstable 2-, 3- and 4-part humeral fractures using two different locking plates. The data used in this analysis was prospectively collected in two large multicentre studies in 15 European Level 1 trauma centres. A total of 318 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with ORIF using either the locking proximal humerus plate (LPHP) or proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS). Outcome measurements included Constant and Neer scores, evaluation of local pain at the fracture site and complications, and radiographic assessment at one year. At one year, the mean Constant scores (relative to the contralateral shoulder) improved significantly for both groups and were above 80% for 2-, 3-, and 4-part fractures. A significantly shorter surgical time, less pain at the fracture site, and better functional outcome was achieved by PHILOS-treated patients with 2-part fractures throughout the one-year follow-up month and with 3-part fractures at three months (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the treatment outcomes for 4-part fractures, and no difference in the complication rates (p > 0.05). PHILOS and LPHP can be considered as useful implants for ORIF of displaced and unstable proximal humeral fractures. There was a slight advantage of the PHILOS system with regard to operative time and functional outcome, especially for the treatment of 2- and 3-part fractures.

Position of shoulder arthroplasty and clinical outcome in proximal humerus fractures

Four-part proximal humeral fractures are frequently treated with shoulder replacement. Outcome of this procedure has not been standardized, and there are controversy data on range of motion (ROM) and active function of the shoulder. The aim of this study is to compare shoulder prosthesis position (SPP) in terms of version of humeral head and height of stem with clinical subjective and objective outcome. Fifty patients were treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fracture or fracture-dislocation of the humeral head. Radiological examination and CT-scan were performed preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical outcome evaluation included active and passive ROM, and subjective perspective collected through SF-36, OSQ, ASES, and DASH. No significant correlation between stem height and clinical outcome were found. The prosthesis version correlates with all subjective questionnaires. The ROM was not correlated with stem height and prosthesis version. SPP involves clinical outcome, with great relevance of implant version.

Plating of proximal fracture of the humerus: a study of 30 cases

In recent years, plate osteosynthesis with angular stable implants is frequently used for severely displaced three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate early results of these fractures treated with insertion of LCP or Philos plates. We present results in 30 cases of proximal humeral fractures, 17 with 3 parts according to Neer and 13 with 4 parts, treated with Locking Compression Plates (LCP, 14 cases) and Philos plates (16) by the deltopectoral approach. Patients were checked with standard X-rays and clinical evaluation, according to the Constant-Murley shoulder score, Individual Constant score and Relative Constant score. Mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 6-42 months). The mean Constant-Murley shoulder scores were Pain 10.6 (3-15), Activities of Daily Living 15.3 (2-20), Range of Motion 26.8 (12-40) and Power 10.3 (3-25) and Total 63 (25-97). The Individual Constant score was 68.6% (27-98%) and the Relative Constant score 85.4% (36-130%). Fractures in 3 parts (of the surgical or anatomic humeral neck and major tubercle) had a mean Constant score of 69.1 (17 cases), but this fell to 55 (13 cases) in those in 4 parts (neck, major and lesser tubercles). Late necrosis of the humeral head occurred in two cases, both with 4-part breaks. We thus believe that 3-part fractures, in which both reduction and stable osteosynthesis are easier, show favourable prognosis and should be clearly distinguished from 4-part ones during assessments. The deltopectoral approach offers good exposure and is especially recommended in 4-part fractures, also because it provides a good view of the lesser tubercle. The osteosynthesis must be stable if early mobilisation of the shoulder and proper recovery of range of motion are to be achieved. As well as reduction and stabilisation of the tubercles, it is also important to restore the neck/shaft angle and stabilise it with oblique screws fitting the plate to avoid varus malposition.

Four-part proximal humeral fractures: diagnosis with the ‘sunset’ sign on anteroposterior radiograph

Four-part proximal humeral fractures require surgical intervention. However, they can be difficult to diagnose in radiological images. We aim to define a new, easily recognisable, radiological sign as a predictor of four-part fracture of the proximal humerus in a plain anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder. We describe our 'sunset' sign as 'articular surface of humeral head pointing away from the glenoid and tilted upwards, in the presence of a displaced greater tuberosity fracture'. We postulate that a patient with proximal humerus fracture showing this sign has four-part fracture until proven otherwise. Between 2002 and 2006, 80 consecutive patients had surgical treatment of their proximal humeral fractures in our unit. Pre-operative radiographs and operative notes of 79 patients were evaluated independently by three blinded observers. The presence of 'sunset' sign was recorded. Findings were then correlated with the operative diagnoses to confirm whether they were four-part fractures or not. With 95% confidence interval, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for our diagnostic sign. Of 79 patients, 30 displayed 'sunset' sign in their pre-operative radiograph. Of these, 28 had confirmed four-part fractures operatively. The positive predictive value of 'sunset' sign was 93%. The specificity and sensitivity were 95% and 78%, respectively. The sensitivity was affected by eight patients with four-part fractures with displaced articular head fragment which had dropped either medially or posteriorly. These results suggest that, in patients with proximal humeral fractures, the presence of 'sunset' sign in the anteroposterior radiograph is a reliable indicator of four-part fracture.

Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty Versus Conservative Treatment for Comminuted Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Systematic Literature Review

The objective was to identify whether arthroplasty or conservative treatment is the best available treatment for three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures by analyzing the outcome measure of the Constant score. We conducted an electronic search. The systematic review included 33 studies encompassing 1096 patients with three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures that used the Constant score as outcome measure. The mean Constant score in the conservative group was 66.5 and in the arthroplasty group was 55.5. The difference could be attributed to selection bias, unreliable classification of the fractures and inter-observer differences in the assessment of the Constant score.

Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty Versus Conservative Treatment for Comminuted Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Systematic Literature Review~!2009-10-19~!2009-12-15~!2010-02-17~!

The objective was to identify whether arthroplasty or conservative treatment is the best available treatment for three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures by analyzing the outcome measure of the Constant score. We conducted an electronic search. The systematic review included 33 studies encompassing 1096 patients with three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures that used the Constant score as outcome measure. The mean Constant score in the conservative group was 66.5 and in the arthroplasty group was 55.5. The difference could be attributed to selection bias, unreliable classification of the fractures and inter-observer differences in the assessment of the Constant score.

Locking plate fixation of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures

We evaluated the functional results of open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate in patients with three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus. We reviewed 32 consecutive patients (22 women, 10 men; mean age 63 years; range 29 to 82 years) who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the PHILOS locking plate for comminuted proximal humeral fractures. According to the Neer classification, 12 patients (mean age 56 years) had three-part fractures, 19 patients (mean age 67 years) had four-part fractures, and one patient had a four-part fracture dislocation. Ten patients were in the age group of <60 years, 22 patients were in the age group of 60=or>years. All the patients were evaluated with plain radiographs preoperatively; in addition, computed tomography was used in 14 patients in whom articular surface and tuberculum displacement could not be assessed adequately. The operation was performed through a standard deltopectoral approach, and minimal soft tissue dissection was used aiming not to impair vascularization of the fracture fragments. A cerclage wire was used to help reduction in 12 patients. An oblique screw was inserted to stabilize the medial colon in cases in which medial cortical contact was insufficient. Bone grafting was not used in any of the patients. Active-assisted and passive exercises of the shoulder were initiated on the second postoperative day. Active abduction to 90 degrees was allowed two weeks after surgery. During follow-up, implant failure, loss of reduction, malunion, and bone healing were assessed on plain radiographs. Bone scintigraphy was performed after 12 postoperative months for the detection of avascular necrosis. The results were assessed using the Constant shoulder score. The mean follow-up period was 25 months (range 18 to 36 months). An anatomic or near-anatomic reduction was obtained in 29 patients (90.6%). In two patients, the fractures were fixed in a varus position, and in one patient, the greater tubercle was displaced proximally. All fractures united in a mean of three months (range 2 to 5 months). The mean Constant score of the patients was 79.5 (range 50 to 100). The results were excellent in 13 patients (40.6%), good in nine patients (28.1%), fair in eight patients (25%), and poor in two patients (6.3%). The mean Constant scores were 88.3 (range 69 to 100) and 74.2 (range 50 to 100) in three-part and four-part fractures, and 88.3 (range 71 to 100) and 75.5 (range 50 to 100) in the age groups of <60 years and =or>60 years, respectively. Constant scores showed significant differences with respect to the number of comminution and age groups (p=0.03). Avascular necrosis was observed in two patients. None of the patients had reduction loss, implant failure, deep infection, or neurovascular injury, and none required implant removal. Preservation of humeral head vascularity through minimal soft tissue dissection, fixation with a locking plate, and early postoperative motion were effective in decreasing potential complications following surgical treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. The degree of fracture comminution and age of the patients affect functional results significantly.

Fixation of three- and four-part proximal humeral fracture with the Polarus nail

Study rationale: Ideal treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fracture remains controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study is to report the results of using the Polarus intramedullary nail treating three- and four-part proximal humeral fracture.

Surgical Treatment of Three and Four-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures

Optimal surgical management of three and four-part proximal humeral fractures in osteoporotic patients is controversial, with many advocating prosthetic replacement of the humeral head. Fixed-angle locked plates that maintain angular stability under load have been proposed as an alternative to hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of some osteoporotic fracture types. The records of 122 consecutive patients who were fifty-five years of age or older and in whom a Neer three or four-part proximal humeral fracture had been treated surgically between January 2002 and November 2005 were studied retrospectively. After exclusions, thirty-eight patients treated with a locked-plate construct were compared with forty-eight patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty. All patients had radiographic and clinical follow-up at a minimum of twenty-four months and an average of thirty-six months. Reduction and implant placement were evaluated radiographically. Clinical outcomes were measured with use of the Constant-Murley system. The mean Constant score (and standard deviation) at the time of final follow-up was significantly better in the locked-plate group (68.6 +/- 9.5 points) than in the hemiarthroplasty group (60.6 +/- 5.9 points) (p < 0.001). The Constant scores for the three-part fractures in the locked-plate and hemiarthroplasty groups were 71.6 and 60.4 points (p < 0.001), respectively, and the scores for the four-part fractures in those groups were 64.7 and 60.1 points (p = 0.19), respectively. Patients with an initial varus extension deformity in the locked-plate group had significantly worse outcomes than those with a valgus impacted pattern (Constant score, 63.8 compared with 74.6 points, respectively; p < 0.001). Complications in the group treated with locked-plate fixation included osteonecrosis in six patients, screw perforation of the humeral head in six patients, loss of fixation in four patients, and wound infection in three patients. Loss of fixation was seen only in patients with >20 degrees of initial varus angulation of the humeral head. Complications in the hemiarthroplasty group included nonunion of the tuberosity in seven patients and wound infection in three patients. In this series, open repair with use of a locked plate resulted in better outcome scores than did hemiarthroplasty in similar patients, especially in those with a three-part fracture, despite a higher overall complication rate. Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures with an initial varus extension pattern should be approached with caution.

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.

Refixation stability in shoulder hemiarthroplasty in case of four-part proximal humeral fracture

Primary stability of refixated fractures in case of shoulder hemiarthroplasty is a prerequisite to restore physiological glenohumeral joint function. Clinical observations often show a secondary dislocation and subsequent resorption of the bony anchor points like the greater and lesser tuberosity at the rotator cuff tendons. This failed integration leads to impaired glenohumeral load transmission and subsequent reduction of mobility. As a consequence, the optimisation of refixation methods is crucial for a better clinical outcome. To prove the stability of refixation techniques, a Finite Element fracture model was built. Resulting stresses at the bone surface and fragment migration relative to the prosthesis shaft were studied. The results of the calculations show that the isolated tuberosities show unstressed bone regions compared to the intact model. This circumstance may explain the clinically detected bone resorption due to the absence of mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, a cable guidance through lateral holes in the middle part of the proximal prosthesis results in a lower fragment displacement than a circumferential fixation method surrounding the entire proximal bone.

Assessment of axillary nerve function and functional outcome after fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures using the extended deltoid-splitting approach

Background and purpose The extended deltoid-splitting approach was developed as an alternative to the deltopectoral approach in the treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. The aim of our prospective study was to determine whether this approach was associated with evidence of nerve injury, functional deficits or other complications in these cases, during the first year following reconstruction. Methods Over a 1-year-period, we treated 14 people (median age 59 years) with open reduction and plate fixation using the extended deltoid-splitting approach. All were prospectively reviewed clinically and radiologically during the first year after surgery. Functional testing involved three scoring systems, spring balance testing of deltoid power, dynamic muscle function testing and, at 1 year, electrophysiological assessment of axillary nerve function. Results Of the 14 fractures, 13 united without complications and with comparatively minor residual functional deficits. Of these 13 cases, 1 showed slight neurogenic change in the anterior deltoid but no evidence of anterior deltoid paralysis. In the remaining case, osteonecrosis of the humeral head developed 9 months after surgery and functional scores were poor, but without evidence of nerve injury on electrophysiological testing. Conclusions This technique is a useful alternative in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures, providing good access for reduction and implant placement without adverse effects.

Four-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Hemiarthroplasty

One of the more challenging issues in upper extremity surgery is the four-part proximal humeral fracture. Humeral fractures of this variety carry a higher risk of avascular necrosis and associated worse prognosis than many others. Despite this risk, this fracture in younger patients is best treated with internal fixation and restoration of anatomic alignment. The valgus impacted fracture often lends itself toward better outcomes with open reduction and internal fixation. In contrast, the displaced four-part proximal humeral fracture and/or dislocation, more frequently seen in the elderly, is best treated with humeral head replacement, which more predictably results in a pain-free shoulder and acceptable range of motion.

Neer Award 2006: Biomechanical assessment of inferior tuberosity placement during hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fractures

Tuberosity malpositioning commonly occurs and is associated with a decline in clinical function after prosthetic shoulder reconstruction for proximal humeral fractures. This study assesses the biomechanical effects of inferior tuberosity position on glenohumeral joint forces and humeral head position at multiple positions. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested. Hemiarthroplasty was performed with preservation of anatomic tuberosity height and with 10 mm and 20 mm of inferior tuberosity displacement. The rotator cuff, deltoid, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi muscles were statically loaded. Contact forces and humeral head position were recorded within a functional range of motion. Glenohumeral joint forces shifted significantly superiorly (P < .05) at 30 degrees of abduction after both 10 mm and 20 mm of tuberosity displacement. At 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction, glenohumeral joint forces remained significantly altered after tuberosity displacement of 10 mm and 20 mm compared with the intact height (P < .005). This study demonstrates that, during hemiarthroplasty performed for proximal humeral fractures, malpositioning the tuberosities inferiorly results in significant superior glenohumeral joint force displacement. These findings suggest that the mechanical advantage of the shoulder abductor muscles is compromised with inferior tuberosity malpositioning and may help to explain inferior functional results seen in these patients.

Humeral Head Replacement: When Half a Loaf Will Do

Humeral head replacement has been the mainstay of treatment for severely displaced three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures since the advent of shoulder arthroplasty. Other indications for humeral head replacement include the physiologically young patient with glenohumeral degenerative joint disease in which the surgeon wishes to preserve glenoid bone stock for future total shoulder arthroplasty and avascular necrosis with collapse of the humeral head and relative sparing of the glenoid. Additionally, humeral head replacement is an option in patients with glenohumeral arthrosis without sufficient glenoid bone stock for placement of a glenoid component.