Humeral Fractures In Elderly Patients Research Articles

Treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with intramedullary nail and locking plate

Objective: To compare the effect of intramedullary nail and locking plate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. Methods: A total of 37 elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures were selected from April 2016 to June 2018 in Tianjin Hospital, including 13 males and 24 females, aged (66±5) years. The patients were divided into observation group (17 cases) and control group (20 cases) according to the random number table, and were treated with multiloc intramedullary nail and locking plate respectively. The operation time, blood loss, healing time of fractures, visual analogue scale of pain, Neer shoulder function score were recored and compared between the two groups. The data were compared with t test between the two groups. Results: The operation time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group ((72±7) min vs (89±9) min, t=6.365, P<0.05); the intraoperative bleeding volume was lower than that of the control group ((56±6) ml vs (74±8) ml, t=7.923, P<0.05). The superior rate of shoulder function was 94.1%(16/17) in the observation group and 90.0%(18/20) in the control group (χ(2)=0.209, P>0.05). The VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group on the first day after operation (t=4.706, P<0.05); the Neer shoulder function score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group on the sixth month after operation (81±8 vs 76±8, t=2.156, P<0.05). Six months after the operation, the valgus angle (19.21°±2.88°) of the observation group was larger than that of the control group (16.32°±2.63°, t=3.189, P<0.05), the humeral head varus angle (3.57°±0.47°), the humeral neck stem angle (139°±10°) was smaller than that of the others (5.24°±1.26°), (146°±13°) (t=5.159, 2.258, both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in shoulder function score and complication rate 12 months after operation between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusion: Both intramedullary nailing and locking plate can achieve better results in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly, but the operation time of intramedullary nailing is shorter, the pain after operation is lighter and the recovery is faster.

Treatment of distal humeral fractures in elderly patients: where are we in 2020? A review article

Distal humeral fractures are increasing in the elderly population and pose a difficult clinical problem as orthopaedic surgeons attempt to maximize return of function and avoid complications. Many treatments have been suggested for distal humeral fractures in the elderly, with operative intervention becoming a mainstay of treatment for active patients. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) have been utilized with both success and complications. The available literature appears to be equivocal on the ideal treatment of geriatric distal humeral fractures, with well-done TEA and ORIF demonstrating similar outcomes. Failed fixation of geriatric distal humeral fractures can be reliably converted to TEA without worsened outcomes but requires a second surgery. TEA demonstrates equivalent outcomes, but with activity limitations for the lifespan of the patient that may inhibit the use of walking aids. There also may be decreased hardware survivorship when TEA is employed for acute fracture. Surgeons and patients must weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with TEA associated with functional restrictions and possible decreased hardware survivorship. TEA does not have the reliable fallback option, but ORIF requiring a second surgery can be converted to TEA.

Higher primary stability of tuberosity fixation in reverse fracture arthroplasty with 135° than with 155° humeral inclination

Proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients are frequently treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and tuberosity healing improves clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. So far reverse prostheses with different humeral inclination (HI) angles have been used. However, it has not been investigated yet if the HI angle affects the primary stability of the tuberosity fixation in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in a biomechanical setting. A 4-part fracture was created in 7-paired human cadaver proximal humeri after preceding power analysis. After randomization in a pairwise fashion, reverse prostheses with either 135° (n = 7) or 155° (n = 7) were implanted. The tuberosities were reduced anatomically to the metaphysis of the prostheses and were fixed with 3 suture cerclages in a standardized technique. Tightening was performed with a cerclage tension device with 50 Newton meter (N m). Before biomechanical testing, the initial vertical and horizontal gap formation was measured. The humeri were placed in a custom-made test setup enabling internal and external rotation. Cyclic loading with a gradually increasing load magnitude was applied with a material testing machine starting with 20 N m and increasing by 5 N m after each 100th cycle until failure (>15° rotation of the tuberosities). Any motion of the tuberosities was measured with a 3-dimensional camera system. Overall, the 155° group reached an average of 1460 ± 270 cycles and the 135° group of 1900 ± 271 cycles (P = .048). In contrast to the 135° group, in the 155° group, a mean initial vertical (0.3 ± 0.7 mm) and horizontal (2.7 ± 3.3 mm) gap formation could be observed before cyclic loading. After 1100 cycles, the 155° group showed increased rotation of both lesser and greater tuberosities in all 3 axes around the humeral shaft compared with the 135° group. Primary stability of the reattached tuberosities is significantly increased, whereas rotational movements are decreased in prostheses with an anatomic HI of 135° compared with a 155° HI according to the original Grammont design. In addition, a 135° HI allows an exact anatomic reposition of the tuberosities, whereas this was not possible for the 155° design. However, transferability and clinical relevance of these biomechanical results have to be verified with clinical studies.

Tensioning device increases biomechanical stability of tuberosity fixation technique with cerclage sutures in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture

Complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients are increasingly treated with primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Many surgeons use cerclage sutures for tuberosity fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures. In this study, we hypothesized that sutures fixated with a tensioning device would achieve higher initial fixation stability of the tuberosities compared with manually knotted cerclage sutures in a biomechanical model. A 4-part fracture was created in 7-paired human cadaver proximal humeri. The tuberosities were reduced anatomically and fixed with 3 cerclage sutures in a standardized technique. Tightening was performed either manually (n = 7) or with a cerclage tensioning device with 50 Newton meter (N m) (n = 7). The humeri were placed in a custom-made test setup enabling internal and external rotation. Cyclic loading with gradually increasing load was applied with a material testing machine starting with 20 N m and increasing by 5 N m after each 100th cycle until failure (>15° rotation of the tuberosities). Motion of the tuberosities was measured with a 3-dimensional camera system. Overall, the knot group reached 1040 ± 152 cycles, and the device group reached 1820 ± 719 cycles (P = .035). Major fragment motion was detected in the humeral shaft axis and in the distal divergence of the tuberosities. After 900 cycles, the knot group showed increased rotation of both lesser and greater tuberosities in all 3 axes around the humeral shaft compared with the device group. Biomechanical stability of the reattached tuberosities is significantly increased, and rotational movement of the tuberosities is decreased after tightening of the applied cerclage sutures with a tensioning device compared with manual knotting. However, transferability of these promising biomechanical results and their clinical relevance have to be verified with clinical studies.

Shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: The path from Neer to Grammont.

Shoulder replacement is indicated for the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients, when severe comminution and osteoporosis jeopardize the chances of success of any fixation technique. Two different implants are available for this purpose: anatomical hemiarthroplasty (HA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). HA for fractures was popularized by Charles Neer in the ‘50s and for several decades remained the only reliable implant for these injuries. However, many authors reported inconsistent results with HA as a consequence of the high rate of tuberosity and rotator cuff failure. In 1987, Paul Grammont designed the first successful RTSA, which was the end result of a long thought process on functional surgery of the shoulder. This implant was initially used to treat cuff tear arthropathy and shoulder pseudoparalysis, but indications have gradually expanded with time. Since RTSA does not rely on a functional cuff for shoulder elevation, it was felt that results in fractures could be improved by this prosthesis. In this study, the salient features of these implants are described to understand the rationale behind both approaches and highlight their pros and cons. Several clinical studies comparing HA vs RTSA for proximal humeral fractures have been published during the last two decades. A literature review is carried out to analyze and compare outcomes of both implants, analyzing clinical results, radiographic findings and complications. The final goal is to provide an overview of the different factors to consider for making a choice between these two prostheses.

Operative treatment of 2-part surgical neck type fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly: Cement augmented locking plate PHILOS™ vs. proximal humerus nail multiloc®

IntroductionThe purpose of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare locked plating with intramedullary nailing in the treatment of displaced 2-part surgical neck type proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. Patients and MethodsPatients ≥60 years of age with a displaced 2-part surgical neck type fracture of the proximal humerus were surgically treated and randomized for either augmented locking plate fixation Group LP or multiplanar intramedullary nailing Group IN. The primary outcome parameter was the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) Score after 24 months. Secondary outcome parameters were the age- and gender adjusted Constant Murley Score (CS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 and 24 months. Further parameters included the quality of fracture reduction as well as complications and revision surgeries. 60 patients with a mean age of 75±9.8 were included and longitudinally followed over 24 months (follow-up rate: 83.3%). ResultsThe mean DASH-Scores at 24 months was 32.6 ± 9.7 points in Group LP versus 37.8 ± 8.3 points in Group IN (p = 0.04). The mean Constant Murley Score at 24 months follow-up was 76.2 ± 7.7 points in Group LP compared to 72 ± 9.1 points in Group IN (p = 0.08). The ASES at 24 months follow-up was 75.1 ± 9 points in Group LP versus to 73.5 ± 8.9 in Group IN (p = 0.51). The OSS at 24 months was 43.7 ± 8.1 in Group LP compared to 38.2 ± 10 in Group IN (p = 0.03). The SF-36 at 24 months was 74.7 ± 12.5 in Group LP versus to 70.9 ± 12.8 in Group IN (p = 0.29). Screw cutting out was observed in n = 2 (6,7%) cases of Group LP, and in none of Group IN (p = 0.49). Revision surgery was necessary in n = 2 (6.7%) cases of Group LP and in two cases of Group IN (6.7%, p = 1). ConclusionFunctional outcomes are similar at 2-years follow-up in locked plating with screw tip augmentation compared to intramedullary nailing. Both implants reached low complication- and revision rates for two-part surgical neck types fractures of the proximal humerus in patients ≥60 years, if anatomic fracture reduction and accurate implant position was obtained.

Angular stable plate versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in elderly patient.

Treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly is a challenge and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is now an important alternative to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with angular stable plate. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of RTSA and ORIF in the elderly. We retrospectively analyzed patients treated for three- or four-part displaced fractures of the proximal humerus. Range of motion, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and Constant scores were recorded. X-ray exam in three projections completed the clinical observation at follow-up. Forty-eight patients were enrolled after a mean follow-up of 37months: 22 RTSA and 26 ORIF. Mean age at trauma was 74years. Compared with RTSA patients, ORIF patients had significantly higher mean external rotation (28° vs. 14°) and better results in modal internal rotation (hand at D7 vs. hand at L5-S1). No significant differences were seen in DASH and Constant scores. Avascular necrosis and loss of reduction with varus dislocation of the humeral head were the most frequent causes of revision surgery in ORIF (34.6%) while the revision rate of the RTSA was 9.1%. In this study, both treatments showed good clinical outcomes, but RTSA resulted in lower revision rate than ORIF. Even if external and internal rotation in RTSA patients were worse than ORIF, they did not affect the patient's quality of life. So, the reverse arthroplasty seems to be a more reliable treatment.

Surgical treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a matched-pair analysis of angular-stable plating vs. reverse shoulder arthroplasty

To date, there is a lack of consensus regarding the type of surgical treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) in elderly patients, especially between joint preservation and joint replacement techniques. We matched 60 patients (aged 73.2 ± 6.4 years) with complex PHFs in terms of sex, age, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, who underwent locking-plate open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) (2011-2017). Postoperative range of motion and functional outcome were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, Oxford Shoulder Score, Constant-Murley score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at a mean follow-up of 49 months (ORIF group) and 38 months (RSA group). Complications and unplanned revision surgery were recorded, and all radiographs were analyzed. ORIF resulted in numerically, although not statistically significantly, greater mean shoulder motion vs. RSA. Significantly better outcome was reported for the Oxford Shoulder Score (P = .034) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (P = .026) in the ORIF group, although no significant differences were observed in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score and Constant-Murley score. The complication rate (30% vs. 10%) and revision rate (20% vs. 3%) were significantly higher in the ORIF group (P = .028), with patients who had complications or required revision having worse functional results. Favorable results are achievable through both angular-stable plating and RSA. Although ORIF may be associated with a superior functional outcome, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference, RSA was linked to significantly fewer complications and revisions.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients -Comparison between with and without Rheumatoid elbows-

Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Distal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients -Comparison between with and without Rheumatoid elbows-

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Treatment of 3- and 4-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures: Clinical and Radiological Analysis With Minimum Follow-Up of 2 Years.

Background:Hemiarthroplasty has been associated with inferior and unpredictable outcomes when used in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. In this age-group, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is gaining popularity due to the promising results presented in recent evidence. Our aim is to analyze the cases of complex proximal humeral fractures treated by reverse shoulder arthroplasty, regarding functional results and complications.Materials and Methods:Thirty-five fractures from 33 patients with the mean age of 73.5 (65-81) years were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty for complex fractures of the proximal humerus. These patients were followed for a mean of 38.3 months (24-68) and analyzed regarding clinical outcomes and complications.Results:The average Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 6.8 points and 78.3%, respectively. The mean Constant score on the affected side was 64.4 points, 19.5% less than the nonoperated side. The mean active elevation was 123°, abduction 109°, external rotation 38°, and internal rotation 41°. The radiographic tuberosity healing rate was 85.7%. There were no significant differences in outcomes, between patient with healed and reabsorbed tuberosities. Inferior scapular notching was seen in 8 patients. The global complication rate was 12.8%.Conclusion:Reverse shoulder arthroplasty yields good and reproductive results with acceptable complication rates in selected elderly patients with complex proximal humeral fractures.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of old fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients

To investigate clinical results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating old fracture of proximal humerus in elderly patients. From January 2012 to December 2017, 12 elderly patients with old proximal humeral fractures were treated with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. There were 5 males and 7 females with an average age of 70.2 years old (ranged from 63 to 81 years old) and an average course of 12.3 months (ranged from 9 to 18 months). VAS score was used to evaluate the degree of pain relief of shoulder joint, Constant-Murley score was used to evaluate the improvement of shoulder joint function and observe the complications during and after operation. All the 12 patients were followed up with an average duration of 22.3 months (ranged from 15 to 56 months). At the latest follow-up, the VAS score was 1.9±1.4, and Constant-Murley score was 83.4±8.4. Among them, shoulder joint flexion was (92.5±7.7)°, abduction was (90.4±14.3)°, external rotation was(31.9±10.0)°, and internal rotation was(58.9±13.1)°. There was statistical significance before and after treatment(P<0.05). There were 2 cases with glenoid notch. The imaging findings were grade I and grade II respectively. No loosening was found during follow-up. No infection, acromial fracture, prosthesis loosening, axillary nerve injury and other complications occurred. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in treating old proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can achieve satisfactory results, however, indications and complications should be noted.

Fibular strut allograft influences reduction and outcomes after locking plate fixation of comminuted proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a retrospective study

BackgroundProximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are the third most commonly occurring fractures in elderly patients. Most of these fractures can be treated with conservative methods, but the optimal surgical treatment strategy for unstable fractures in elderly patients remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes between locking compression plate (LCP) fixation and LCP fixation with fibular allograft implantation for the treatment of comminuted PHFs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 60 patients (mean age, 72.75 years) with closed 3- or 4-part fractures, and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Fracture reduction was quantitatively determined by humeral head height (HHH) and neck-shaft angle (NSA). The clinical outcome was evaluated by Constant-Murley score (CMS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.ResultThe average radiological changes were higher in the LCP group than in the locking plate with fibular allograft group (HHH of 4.16 mm vs 1.18 mm [p < 0.001] and NSA of 9.94° versus 3.12° [p < 0.001]) . The final average outcome scores were lower in the LCP group than in the FA group (CMS of 73.00 vs 78.96 [p = 0.024] and ASES score of 72.80 vs 78.64 [p = 0.022]). The FA group showed better forward elevation (p = 0.010) and abduction (p = 0.002); however, no significant differences were observed for shoulder external rotation or internal rotation. The number of complications was higher in the LCP group (28.57%) than in the FA group (1.2%) (p < 0.001).ConclusionFor comminuted PHFs in elderly patients, LCP fixation combined with a fibular allograft is reasonable option to ensure satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes.Trial registrationZDYJLY(2018)New-9. Name of registry: IEC for clinical Research of Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated to Southeast University. Date of registration: 2018-05-17.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus nonoperative treatment for 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are among the most common fractures in elderly patients, but there is insufficient evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine which interventions are the most appropriate for their management. To date, no RCT has directly compared reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with nonoperative treatment for 3- or 4-part PHFs in elderly patients. This was a prospective RCT. The primary objective was to compare pain and function 12 months after fracture using the Constant score in patients aged 80 years or older with 3- and 4-part PHFs, treated by either RSA or nonoperative treatment. Secondary outcome measures included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form 12 (SF-12), EuroQol 5 Dimensions, and EQ-VAS scores. We analyzed 30 nonoperative and 29 RSA patients with mean ages of 85 years and 82 years, respectively. No differences between the nonoperative and RSA groups were noted for any patient-reported outcomes at 12 months' follow-up except the VAS pain score. The Constant scores were 55.7 in the nonoperative group and 61.7 in the RSA group (P = .071); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 29 and 21, respectively (P = .075); the VAS scores were 1.6 and 0.9, respectively (P = .011); the physical SF-12 scores were 36 and 37, respectively (P = .709); the mental SF-12 scores were 43 and 42, respectively (P = .625); the EuroQol 5 Dimensions scores were 0.89 and 0.92, respectively (P = .319); and the EQ-VAS scores were 65 and 67, respectively (P = .604). This study yields important evidence for the treatment of complex PHFs in elderly patients suggesting minimal benefits of RSA over nonoperative treatment for displaced 3- and 4-part PHFs. At short-term follow-up, the main advantage of RSA appeared to be less pain perception.

Three- and 4-part proximal humeral fracture fixation with an intramedullary cage: 1-year clinical and radiographic outcomes

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a treatment option for 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. However, arthroplasty has drawbacks in younger patients because of their greater activity level and more likely need for revision surgery. In such patients, an intramedullary cage may allow for reconstruction of the proximal humerus. We reviewed the outcomes of patients with proximal humeral fractures treated with expandable intramedullary cages from 2016 to 2017. We included patients with closed 3- or 4-part fractures (Neer classification), no osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, and minimum 12-month follow-up. We assessed range of motion, pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the Subjective Shoulder Value. Eleven patients (mean follow-up, 54 weeks [range, 49-61 weeks]) were included. Two patients had 3-part fractures, and nine had 4-part fractures. At final follow-up, the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 1.4 (range, 0-6), the mean Subjective Shoulder Value was 69 (range, 20-90), and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 80 (range, 27-98). Mean forward flexion was 123° (range, 45°-160°), mean abduction was 82° (range, 30°-90°), and mean external rotation in 90° of abduction was 71° (range, 30°-90°). At final radiographic evaluation, all fractures were healed. No wound-related or neurologic complications were noted. Avascular necrosis developed in 1 patient; conversion to shoulder arthroplasty was performed. Treatment of 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures with an expandable intramedullary cage produced good clinical outcomes and a 100% union rate.

Treatment of the surgical neck fracture of the humerus with a novel external fixator in the elderly with osteoporosis: biomechanical analysis

BackgroundNo consensus exists on the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, especially in the elderly patients with osteoporosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of a novel external fixator in treating two-part surgical neck fracture of the proximal humerus in the elderly patients with osteoporosis.MethodsSixteen female elderly humeral shaft specimens with osteoporosis were randomized into 2 groups. Models with the surgical neck two-part fracture of the proximal humerus were built, in which a novel external fixator (test group) and a clover plate (control group) were applied separately. In the test group, the fracture was firstly fixed with intersection pinning using 3 Schanz pins (3.5 mm), followed by the novel external fixation frame. In the control group, a clover plate and 6 cortical bone screws were applied. Biomechanical testing of the specimens was performed to assess the resistance to load bearing and torsional stress. The parameters of the two groups were compared using independent t-test.ResultsUltimate bearing capacity and load bearing at different parts with the humerus rotation were higher (P < 0.05) in the external fixator group (145.16 ± 17.42 N and 140 N respectively) than those in the plate group (120.21 ± 13.15 N and 69.63 ± 25.16–90.78 ± 17.18 N respectively). As for resistance to torsional stress, plate’s torque fluctuated between 1 Nm and 5 Nm, while the external fixator’s torque values were more evenly (P < 0.01) distributed with the fluctuation within 1 Nm.ConclusionsIn the fixation of two-part humeral fracture in elderly patients with osteoporosis, the new external fixator seemed to be superior to plate fixation in load bearing and resistance to torsional stress.

Effect of salmon calcitonin on postoperative humeral head replacement in elderly patients

To observe the effect of anti-osteoporosis drugs on the curative effect of femoral head replacement in the elderly patients with proximal humerus fracture. From November 2012 to June 2016, 38 patients with proximal humeral fractures received humeral head replacement were divided into the treatment group and the control group according to whether the anti-osteoporosis drugs were used after the operation. The treatment group included 19 cases, of which 11 cases were three part fractures, 18 cases were four part fractures, and bone density was(0.58±0.14) g/cm²; the control group involved 19 cases, of which 10 cases were the three part fractures, 9 cases were four part fractures, and bone density was(0.58±0.11) g/cm². Periprosthetic bone mineral density(BMD) was measured at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after operation, and visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to evaluate the pain and Neer score was used to evaluate the function of the shoulder joint. The incisions of all patients were healed with grade A and no complications occurred. Thirty-five patients were followed up for 1 year. The bone density around the prosthesis of treatment group was higher than that of control group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);VAS in two groups had no statistical significance(P>0.05). The total score and functional score of Neer in the treatment group were better than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pain and activity score between the two groups(P>0.05). According to the Neer score, the results of treatment group was excellent in 10 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 3 cases;in the control group, 3 cases were excellent, 9 cases were good, and 5 cases were fair;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). Artificial humeral head replacement combined with anti-osteoporosis drugs in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients can effectively improve the bone density around the prosthesis and restore shoulder function. The early clinical effect is satisfactory.

Locking Plate Use with or without Strut Support for Varus Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients.

Background:Varus displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus, particularly in osteoporotic bone, commonly require open reduction and internal fixation. However, surgical treatment methods remain controversial and have shown inconsistent results. A fibular allograft for indirect medial reduction and strut support has been used in an effort to prevent secondary postoperative varus displacement. However, the long-term outcomes of this method require confirmation. We hypothesized that placing a fibular strut parallel to the calcar screw could increase the biomechanical stability of the medial hinge, thus preventing secondary varus deformity. In the present study, we compared the clinical outcomes of locking plate use with and without medial strut support with use of a fibular allograft for the treatment of varus humeral fractures in patients ≥65 years old.Methods:We compared 2 different graft techniques involving the use of fibular allografts in elderly patients with varus displaced proximal humeral fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) the intramedullary graft group (Group A), (2) the medial hinge support group (Group B), and (3) the locking plate alone group (Group C). Clinical outcomes included the final varus angulation of the humeral head, the occurrence of major complications (screw cut-out or cut-through or osteonecrosis), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at 1 year after treatment.Results:A total of 128 patients were included in our study. The final varus angles were 14.7°, 13.1°, and 18.6°, for the intramedullary graft group, the medial hinge support group, and locking plate alone group, respectively. The mean ASES scores were 87.2, 88.6, and 82.2, respectively. There were differences in ASES scores between Group A and Group C as well as also between Group B and Group C. Fewer major complications were found in patients managed with locking plates in combination with intramedullary graft or medial hinge support (Group A and Group B) than in patients managed with locking plates alone (Group C).Conclusions:The use of a locking plate in combination with medial strut support with use of a fibular allograft reduced complications when used for the treatment of varus displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients in comparison with the use of a locking plate alone.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of total elbow arthroplasty versus open reduction–internal fixation for distal humeral fractures

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) are 2 viable surgical treatment options for acute, intra-articular distal humeral fractures in elderly patients. Whereas recent systematic reviews and randomized trials have suggested that TEA and ORIF result in similar functional outcome scores, no previous study has assessed the comparative cost-effectiveness between TEA and distal humeral ORIF in this specific demographic. A Markov model was created with the highest-level data available from the literature depicting transitioning health states based on treatment strategies. To populate the quality-of-life data points in the model lacking in the literature, a survey was conducted of patients at 2 referral institutions who underwent TEA or ORIF for acute, intra-articular distal humeral fractures via the European Quality of Life, 5 Domains (EQ-5D) questionnaire at least 2 years postoperatively. Cost data from 2016 for each strategy were used to calculate the comparative cost-effectiveness of TEA versus ORIF. For patients aged 65 years, the total cost of TEA was $19,407 compared with $20,669 for ORIF. The effectiveness of TEA and ORIF was 8.17 and 7.72, respectively. Overall, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of TEA ($2375.76/quality-adjusted life-year) was favored more than ORIF ($2677.26/quality-adjusted life-year). These findings suggest TEA is a slightly more cost-effective procedure than ORIF for most elderly patients who sustain acute, intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Still, the unique limitations, complications, and revision rates for each strategy must be carefully weighed for each patient when making a decision.

Predictors of mortality after isolated proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients

Background: The overall incidence of proximal humeral fractures is steadily growing, but little is known about the mortality rates after these fractures in elderly patients. As life expectancy continues to increase, knowledge of mortality rates and predictors of mortality for these fractures will become progressively more important. The purpose of this study was to present the 30-day and 1-year mortality of elderly patients who sustained isolated proximal humeral fractures and to evaluate potential risk factors for increased mortality. Methods: We identified 205 patients older than 60 yr with isolated proximal humeral fractures. Mean age was 74.3 yr (range, 60-99 yr) and mean follow-up was 3.9 yr (range, 5 days-8 yr). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates were calculated. Age, gender, fracture classification, patient disposition, initial treatment, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and van Walraven modified Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) were analyzed in Cox Proportional Hazards models to estimate effect on mortality. Results: Fifty-six percent of patients sustained Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) 11-A fractures, 43% were OTA 11-B, and 1% were OTA 11-C. One hundred and sixty-six patients (81%) were treated nonoperatively. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0%; 1-year mortality rate was 4.4%. Each additional year of patient age increased mortality 12% (hazard ratio [HR]=1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.17). Women did not differ from men (HR=1.74, 95% CI: 0.80, 3.77). Controlling for age and gender, there was no increased mortality in those admitted at time of injury (HR=1.89, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.88), or those with operative fixation (HR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.27, 2.29). After adjusting for age, neither CCI (HR=1.07, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.23) nor ECI (HR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.06) affected mortality. Conclusions: The 1-year mortality for elderly patients with isolated proximal humeral fractures was 4.4%, lower than previously reported. Age increased mortality but comorbidity indices did not. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic.

Total elbow arthroplasty versus plate fixation for distal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Distal humeral fractures represent about 1% to 2% of adult fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) has traditionally been the standard treatment; however, fracture comminution and osteoporotic bone may prevent adequate fixation, and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is an alternative. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine which procedure provided superior clinical outcomes for elderly patients with distal humeral fractures. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Cases series and comparative studies reporting functional outcomes or complications after TEA and ORIF in patients over 60 yr of age with an acute distal humeral fracture were included. The studies were appraised using validated quality assessment scales. Results were pooled from different studies using meta-analysis techniques, and the functional outcomes, complications, and frequency of revision surgery were compared. Results: The search strategy identified 27 studies: one randomized controlled trial, four comparative studies, 14 ORIF cases series, and eight TEA case series. TEA was associated with statistically significant and clinically superior Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores when compared to ORIF in elderly patients while having a statistically significant lower complication rate. Conclusions: Meta-analysis of comparative studies demonstrated that TEA is associated with statistically significant and clinically superior MEPS and DASH scores when compared to ORIF in elderly patients.