Neer's Criteria Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Measurement of Proximal Humerus Fractures Displacement: A Computerized Analysis.

Neer's classification for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) uses 10 mm and 45° thresholds to distinguish displaced fragments. While this system was originally developed referencing 2D X-rays, fracture displacements occur in three dimensions. Our work aimed to develop a standardized and reliable computerized method for measuring PHF 3D spatial displacements. CT scans of 77 PHFs were analyzed. A statistical shape model (SSM) was used to generate the pre-fracture humerus. This predicted proximal humerus was then used as a "layer" to manually reduce fragments to their native positions and quantify translation and rotation in three dimensions. 3D computerized measurements could be calculated for 96% of fractures and revealed that 47% of PHFs were displaced according to Neer's criteria. Valgus and varus head rotations in the coronal plane were present in 39% and 45% of cases; these were greater than 45° in 8% of cases and were always associated with axial and sagittal rotations. When compared to 3D measurements, 2D methods underestimated the displacement of tuberosity fragments and did not accurately assess rotational displacements. The use of 3D measurements of fracture displacement is feasible with a computerized method and may help further refine PHF analysis and surgical planning.

OUTCOME OF PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES OF PAEDIATRIC FEMUR FOLLOWING CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS TREATED WITH ILIZAROV METHOD

Background: Pathological fracture of the paediatric femur after chronic osteomyelitis presents a challenging situation. It is complicated by the need for radical debridement, often leaving a wide bone gap and instability that is difcult to be managed by the traditional methods. The Ilizarov method due to its versatility is a potential treatment option for this condition. 19 children with pathological femur Materials and methods: fractures following chronic Osteomyelitis were treated with Ilizarov methods. 3 children were excluded, and the nal outcome was measured in 16 children. The mean age of the patients was 6.76±1.93 years, with 12 males (63.15%) and 7 females (36.84%). The Beit cure classication of childhood chronic osteomyelitis was used. The mean follow up after ring removal was 26.06±5.07 months. NEER's criteria was used to assess the radiological and functional outcomes. With a mean union time of 10.94±3.93 weeks, 100% union Results: was achieved in all of the 16 cases. The mean external xator period was 14.25±4.94 weeks. The infection was fully eradicated in all of the cases, except 1 (6.25%) child diagnosed with tubercular osteomyelitis is still having the active infection. According to NEER's functional and anatomical grading, excellent results were found in 6 (37.5%) cases, satisfactory in 8 (50%), and unsatisfactory in 2 (12.5%) cases. Pin tract infection was found in 10 (62.5%) children, axial deformity after ring removal in one (6.25%), and knee stiffness in 2(12.5%) children. In children w Conclusion: ith pathological femur fractures caused by chronic osteomyelitis, the Ilizarov method can be a viable treatment option. It helps to eradicate infection, promotes fracture healing, and produces satisfactory to excellent results.

A STUDY ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES TREATED WITH PHILOS PLATING

Background: Proximal humerus fractures are common and debilitating injuries. These fractures have a dual age distribution occurring either in young people following high energy trauma Usually high energy trauma associated with dislocation or in those older than 60 years with low-velocity injuries like simple fall, especially in elderly patients is due to osteoporosis and deforming forces of muscle attached. Wide range of treatment modalities ranging from conservative management to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The non-operative method gives good results in stable and minimally displaced fractures. Displaced humeral neck fractures used to be managed conservatively in the past, but these were complicated by loss of reduction, malunion, non-union, stiffness and ultimately poor functional outcome. We took up this study to assess the efcacy and functional outcome of P.H.I.L.O.S. plating in proximal humerus. Our objectives are to study the fracture pattern with the Neer's criteria, to reconstruct the proximal humerus fracture anatomically with Philos plate, allow early shoulder mobilization and assessing the functional outcome using Constant Murley score. It is an Materials and methods: observational study of 30 patients (18 females and 12 males) with proximal humerus fractures that attended to the Department of Orthopaedics, Government General Hospital, Rangaraya medical college, Kakinada from December 2018 to December 2020. The mean follow-up Results: period was 12 months. Two patients lost follow-up. Of the remaining 28 patients, all fractures were united clinically and radiologically. At the nal follow-up the mean Constant-Murley score was 69.2 (range 50 -100). The results were excellent in 3, good in 12, fair in 10 patients, poor in 3 patients. During the follow-up 4 cases had varus mal-union, 5 had stiffness of the shoulder, 2 had supercial infection and1 had screw penetration. No cases of hardware failure, locking screw loosening or non-union were noted. T Conclusion: he divergent and convergent orientation of the locking screws of PHILOS plate provides stable biological xation with good radiological union. It minimises the soft tissue dissection and gives both axial and angular stability hence, reducing the risk of fracture displacement.

Outcome of Extra-Articular Fractures of Distal Femur: Less Invasive Stabilization on System (LISS) Plating versus Closed Retrograde Intramedullary Interlocking Nail

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcome of extra-articular fracture of distal femur, LISS plating versus retrograde intramedullary interlocking nailing. Study Design: Prospective/Randomized control trial Place and Duration of Study: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Sukkur from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2020. Methodology: One hundred patients of both genders with ages 20 to 60 years presented with fractures of distal femur were included in this study. Patients were equally divided into two groups I and II. Group I contained 50 patients and received LISS plating and Group II contained 50 patients and received closed retrograde intramedullary interlocking nail, Pre and post-operative assessment was done. Post-operative complications were noted at 12th day. Functional outcomes were examined after 6 months by the NEERs criteria. Results: Sixty five (65%) patients were males (35 in group I and 30 in group II) and 35 (35%) patients were females (15 in group I and 20 in group II). Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury in 62 (62%) patients. Most of the fractures were on right side 66 (66%). According to the NEER criteria, 80% patients shows excellent, 20% patients shows satisfactory with no poor results in Group I and in Group II 30% patients shows excellent, 66% patients shows satisfactory results and 4% shows unsatisfactory results. Conclusion: The LISS plating and closed retrograde intramedullary interlocking nail was safe and effective methods for extra-articular fractures of distal femur but there were less complications found in LISS plating. Keywords: Fracture of distal femur, LISS plating, Interlocking nail

Is sclerotherapy with polidocanol a better treatment option for aneurysmal bone cyst compared to conventional curettage and bone grafting?

BackgroundThe standard treatment of Aneurysmal bone cyst is curettage and grafting and is associated with high morbidity. Hence minimal invasive alternative treatment methods such as sclerotherapy are gaining much popularity. Though sclerotherapy has been attributed to reasonable cure rates, undetermined tissue diagnosis often impedes with initiation of treatment. This study examines if sclerotherapy with polidocanol based on clinic-radiological picture is comparable with the standard intralesional curettage and bone grafting. Attempting biopsy and treatment simultaneously based on the clinico-radiological presentation makes this study unique. MethodsWe divided 48 patients into two treatment groups. Group 1 treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol and group 2 those treated with extended curettage and bone grafting. We assessed time to healing and recurrence, pain relief, and radiological outcome using modified Neer's criteria for the radiological healing of the bone cysts. 31 patients from Group 1 and 17 from Group 2 were available for study. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. ResultsAt last follow-up, 100% in Group 1 and 82% in Group 2 had achieved complete healing and there was no statistical difference in outcome at 24 months (p = 0.255). Complications in Group 1 were injection site necrosis, pain and hypopigmentation, all of which resolved spontaneously. In Group 2, three patients had recurrence. Despite similar healing rates, we found higher incidence of clinically pertinent complications, poor functional outcomes and increased cost of treatment associated with intralesional excision.Three cases were excluded from sclerotherapy group as the final diagnosis turned up to be secondary ABC. ConclusionsPercutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol is a highly effective, cost efficient and safe treatment option with good cosmesis and reduced morbidity. In this study, we found comparable outcomes for both treatment methods however this will require confirmation in larger studies.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION WITH PHILOS AND CLOSED REDUCTION AND PERCUTANEOUS FIXATION WITH K-WIRES IN PROXIMAL HUMERAL FRACTURES

Background: Fracture of the proximal humerus represents the second most common (29.1%) fracture type in the upper extremity after Colle's fracture (37.2%) of the wrist. Signicant controversy continues regarding the best modality for treating displaced proximal humerus fractures. The objective of our study is to comparatively evaluate the functional outcome of ORIF with Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System (PHILOS) and Close Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation with K-wires in proximal humerus fractures. Method: A prospective study was conducted after getting ethical approval at N.S.C.B. Medical College & Hospital, Jabalpur, (M.P.) upon 50 cases admitted with proximal humerus fractures as per inclusion criteria. 25 cases were treated with PHILOS plate in group A and 25 patients were treated with Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation with K-wires in group B. Post op follow up was done at 6 weeks and 12 weeks and functional outcome evaluated by Neer's scoring criteria. Results: Out of 50 cases, excellent scores was obtained in 22 (88%) cases treated with PHILOS in group A, and 18 (72%) cases treated with k-wire xation in group B, satisfactory score was obtained in 3 (12%) in Group A and 6 (24%) in Group B. Conclusion: We obtained excellent results in both groups with each procedure having its own advantage and disadvantages. We found that PHILOS provides secure xation with better functional outcome in terms of range of motion. Fixation with Percutaneous K-wires is also efcient treatment option with intraoperative advantage in terms of invasiveness, blood loss and time taken for surgery with least tissue dissection than PHILOS plating

Assessment of functional outcome of distal femur intra-articular fractures treated with locking compression plate

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Intra-articular distal femoral fracture makes up to 6% of all femur fractures. Because they damage the cartilage surface of the bone, intra-articular fractures can be more difficult to treat. The locking compression plates have nowadays proven to be gold standard in treating both simple as well as complex intra-articular distal femur fractures. This study is to evaluate the complications, functional and anatomical outcome of distal femur fractures, treated by open reduction and internal fixation using distal femoral locking compression plate.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is<strong> </strong>a retrospective study of 30 patients with intra articular distal femur fractures operated with distal femur locking compression plate during the period of 2015 to 2018 in a tertiary care hospital with age range from 17 to 71 years and follow up till 2 years. Fractures were classified according to AO classification and functional outcome assessed by using Neer criteria.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 10 cases had excellent score (33%), 16 cases (52%) had satisfactory score, 3 cases (11%) had unsatisfactory score and only one case had poor score.<strong> </strong>85.1% of patients were in between satisfactory to excellent results. Complications observed were excessive bleeding, difficulty in reduction, superficial infections, knee stiffness, malalignment and limb length discrepancy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The distal femur locking compression plate is a good implant to be used for distal femur intra-articular fractures. Early surgery, anatomical reduction and early mobilisation are the prerequisites for good functional outcome. Comminution and bone defect on the medial side needs pillar reconstruction by fibular bone graft.</p>

Treatment experience of proximal humerus degloving fracture

To summarize a new type of proximal humerus fracture-proximal humerus degloving fracture, and discuss its injury mechanism, classification criteria, and treatment methods. The clinical data of 23 patients with proximal humerus degloving fracture between September 2009 and September 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 9 females, with an average age of 39.7 years (range, 21-66 years). The causes of injury was sprain in 2 cases, falling from height in 8 cases, and traffic accident in 13 cases. The time from injury to operation was 3-116 days (mean, 17.1 days). There were 2 cases of posterior dislocation of humeral head, 3 cases of anterior dislocation of humeral head, 3 cases of other fractures, and 2 cases of brachial plexus injury. All patients had varying degrees of rotator cuff injuries. According to the self-determined fracture classification criteria, there were 6 cases of internal rotation type, 14 cases of external rotation type, and 3 cases of abduction type. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 17 months). All incisions healed by the first intention. X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 3-5 months after operation (mean, 3.6 months). According to the Neer's shoulder functional evaluation criteria at 6 months, the shoulder function was rated as excellent in 16 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 84.6%. The rotator cuff tear recurred in 1 case and was repaired again. The injury mechanism of proximal humerus degloving fracture may be the extreme internal rotation, extreme external rotation, or extreme abduction. Reduction and internal fixation is an effective treatment. The focus of the treatment is not only the fixation of the fracture, but also the repair and reconstruction of the rotator cuff.

When is it safe to reduce fracture dislocation of shoulder under sedation? Proposed treatment algorithm.

Shoulder dislocations are common. It is known that incongruent shoulder should be promptly reduced. However, when associated with fracture of the proximal humerus, there is a clinical dilemma if reduction under sedation is a safe option. We wanted to establish when it is safe to attempt reduction of a shoulder fracture dislocation under sedation in emergency room. This is a retrospective cohort study assessing consecutive patients presenting with a dislocation of a gleno-humeral joint with an associated fracture of the humerus between 2007 and 2015. The radiographs and patients' records were examined. The number of fragments according to Neer's criteria and size of fragments were recorded. We identified 102 patients who presented with 104 cases of fracture dislocation of shoulder joint. 10 of the dislocations were posterior, remainder were anterior. All posterior dislocations were reduced under general anaesthesia. Sixty-two anterior fracture dislocations had attempted reduction under sedation in emergency department. Eight of those were unsuccessful, and patient required general anaesthetic for further management. In five of those cases, significant displacement of humeral head in relation to the shaft after attempted reduction. We propose pragmatic approach to the initial treatment of fracture dislocations of shoulder. In type I injury, where there is an anterior dislocation with greater tuberosity fracture, one should attempt a reduction under sedation; 94% of attempted reductions under sedation were successful and no fracture propagation occurred. In case of a type II injury, when the fracture is involving a surgical neck of the humerus with or without greater tuberosities fracture, our experience suggests that no attempt of reduction is undertaken under sedation and patient has general anaesthetic. Posterior dislocation with any fracture remains an unsolved problem, but in our series no attempt of reduction under sedation was made.

Comparison of open reduction internal fixation with proximal humerus interlocking system and close reduction and pinning with K-wire in proximal humeral fracture

Introduction: Fracture of the proximal humerus represents the second most common fracture in upper extremity. The indications of surgery continue to expand due to improvement in internal fixation techniques. Aim: This study aimed to compare the result of open reduction internal fixation with proximal humerus interlocking system and close reduction and pinning with K-wire in these fractures. Materials and Methods: This study included 48 cases which were divided into two groups by randomized controlled trial type of study design, 24 patients (Group A) were operated with proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) and 24 patients (Group B) with percutaneous K-wire fixation. All the 48 patients were followed up for a mean duration of 11 months. Final evaluation was done according to Neer's (1970) criteria. Results: All fractures united with an average of 10.34 weeks. Union time between the groups was statistically insignificant. In Group A, 83.33% of cases had favorable results against 50.0% of Group B and difference was significant. In Group A, mean Neer's score was 86.0 and in Group B it was 77.7 and difference was significant. In Group A, mean Neer's score for range of motion (ROM) was 20.75 and in Group B it was 17.25 and difference was significant. Ten complications (subacromial impingement-1, screw perforation-1, infection-1, malunion-2, stiff shoulder-3, and pain in shoulder-2) were seen in six patients (25%) treated with PHILOS and 17 complications (K-wire migration-2, infection-2, malunion-4, stiff shoulder-6, and pain in shoulder-3) were seen in 10 patients (41.1%) fixed with K-wire. Conclusion: In patients of 2-part and 3-part displaced proximal humerus fractures, results are almost equivocal. However, mean Neer's score for ROM was significantly more in patients treated with PHILOS. In 4-part fracture and patients of age >50 years, results of PHILOS are significantly better than K-wire.

Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in Older Patients: Shoulder Surgeons Versus Traumatologists.

Proximal humerus fractures are relatively common, with treatment dependent on fracture-specific, patient-specific, and surgeon-specific factors. This study sought to identify preferences among shoulder specialists and orthopedic traumatologists in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. An anonymous Internet survey of fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons and traumatologists was conducted with radiographs and select computed tomography images of 15 unique displaced proximal humerus fractures. Participants were asked to classify each case according to Neer criteria and choose management from a list of options. Groups were analyzed using chi-square test for independence, paired t test, and Fleiss' kappa within and between each group. Among shoulder surgeons, there were a total of 19 cases selected for nonoperative management, 204 cases selected for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 122 cases selected for arthroplasty. Among traumatologists, there were 44 cases selected for nonoperative management, 234 for ORIF, and 67 for arthroplasty. Fleiss' kappa for intraobserver agreement on treatment choice was 0.26 for shoulder surgeons and 0.18 for traumatologists, and chi-square test for independence was significant between the 2 groups (P<.001). Paired t test of the average treatment proportions was significant for nonoperative management and arthroplasty (P=.003) but not significant for differences in rates of ORIF. These results confirm poor consistency in Neer classification among surgeons and suggest that shoulder surgeons were more likely to consider arthroplasty for treatment and that traumatologists were more likely to use ORIF or to manage patients nonoperatively. These variations in care may translate to differences in outcome and cost. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e509-e513.].

English

BACKGROUND: Fractures of distal femur are complex injuries that can be difficult to manage. Due to poor bone stock, less cortical bone in this region, wide medullary cavity and frequently associated severe soft tissue damage. METHODS: From June 2008 to April 2012, a prospective study of 46 patients, with distal femoral fractures, including supracondylar and inter condylar fractures, treated with intramedullary supracondylar nail, was done to evaluate its results and final functional outcome and its applicability in open as well as closed distal femoral fractures. Four cases were lost to follow up; six had followed up for less than six months. These ten cases were excluded from the study hence effectively the study included total thirty six cases. Average age of patients was 41.7 yrs. with Male: Female ratio of 2.6:1. Among 36 fractures 16.6% were of type A1, 44.4% were of type A2, 27.7% were of type A3 and 11.1% were of type C1. 27.7% fractures were open and associated injuries were present in 22.2% of cases. Second generation supracondylar nail was used for definitive fixation in all eighteen cases, through percutaneous patellar tendon splitting approach in 26 patients and medial parapatellar arthrotomy approach in ten patients. RESULTS: At an average follow up of 9 months, final functional outcome was evaluated as per Neer's criteria (1967). Average time of union was 17.5 weeks, with an average range of movement being 101.38. Functional results were excellent in 20 (55.5%) cases, satisfactory in 10 (27.7%) cases, unsatisfactory in 2 (5.5%) and poor in 4 (11.1%) cases. No significant correlation was observed in this study between the age of the patient, fracture type and the final functional outcome achieved. Similarly no significant difference was observed between the final functional outcomes achieved in open versus closed fracture. However patients treated with medial parapatellar arthrotomy approach were found to be associated with increased incidence of complications and relatively low range of movement at knee joint. CONCLUSION: According to this study it is concluded that supracondylar nailing is useful for fixation of closed as well as open distal femoral and less comminuted inter condylar fractures, preferably to be done by percutaneous patellar tendon splitting approach. The simplicity of the procedure also facilitated fracture fixation in those with multiple fractures.

English

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures, particularly in osteoporotic patients, remain an unsolved problem. The objective of the study is to test the efficacy and functional outcome of locking compression plate in proximal humerus fractures and to evaluate the incidence of complication that may occur with locking compression plate in proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: Prospective study involving Adults with proximal humerus fractures admitted from November 2010 to November 2012. In this study period 30 cases of fractures of proximal humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Locking Compression Plate was evaluated. Clinical outcome was measured using neer's score. RESULTS: In our study proximal humerus fracture was common in age group of 41 to 60 years (63%) and the commonest mode of injury was Road traffic accident (53.3%). Mean follow up time was 12 month. Radiological union was achieved within 8 to 12 weeks in all cases. Most of these fractures were two part (n-21) followed by three part (n-6) and four part (n-3). We had 4 excellent (13.3%) and 19 satisfactory (63.4%) results and 7 had unsatisfactory (13.3%) according to Neer's criteria. Out of 30 patients, 7(23.4%) had complication.3 patients had plate impingement, 2 patients had varus malunion, 2 patients had stiffness of shoulder with pain and functional restriction of movement. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion locking compression plate is mechanically and biologically an advantageous implant in proximal humeral fractures particularly in comminuted fractures and in osteoporotic bones in elderly patients, thus allowing early mobilization.

Functional and aesthetic results of orthopaedic treatment of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. A 22 years follow-up study

AimTo evaluate the functional results of the orthopaedic treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures with a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients, mean age 35 years (18–64) with a non-surgically treated clavicle fracture. The mean follow-up was more than 22 years (15–32). The clinical evaluation was performed with the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), Constant Shoulder Score test (CSS), EVA score, and a subjective assessment of the final result. Fractures were classified according to Neer's criteria. The radiological evaluation was performed with an anteroposterior and 45° cephalic anteroposterior oblique X-ray. ResultsA mean DASH score 2.17 points (0–20.82), the mean CSS score was 98.2 (79–100), the mean EVA score was 0.42 (0–6), and 100% patients were satisfied, with good or excellent results. The control X-ray showed 39 healed fractures (97.5%) with a mean shortening of 6.4mm (0–20). ConclusionsThe presence of comminution and/or shortening of 15mm or more had the worst functional and radiographic results. Despite this, non-surgical treatment showed excellent functional and radiographic results, and a high personal satisfaction.

Fracturas de clavícula tratadas conservadoramente tras 22 años de seguimiento: resultados funcionales y estéticos

AimTo evaluate the functional results of the orthopaedic treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures with a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Material and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients, mean age 35 years (18-64) with a non-surgically treated clavicle fracture. The mean follow-up was more than 22 years (15-32). The clinical evaluation was performed with the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), Constant Shoulder Score test (CSS), EVA score, and a subjective assessment of the final result. Fractures were classified according to Neer's criteria. The radiological evaluation was performed with an anteroposterior and 45° cefalic anteroposterior oblique X-Ray. ResultsA mean DASH score 2.17 points (0-20.82), the mean CSS score was 98.2 (79-100), the mean EVA score was 0.42 (0-6), and 100% patients were satisfied, with good or excellent results. The control X-Ray showed 39 healed fractures (97.5%) with a mean shortening of 6.4mm (0-20). ConclusionsThe presence of comminution and/or shortening of 15mm or more had the worst functional and radiographic results. Despite this, non-surgical treatment showed excellent functional and radiographic results, and a high personal satisfaction.

External fixation by Joshi′s external stabilizing system in cases of proximal humerus fractures in elderly subjects

Fracture of the proximal humerus is a common and debilitating injury occurring mainly in elderly females and accounts for 4-5% of all adult fractures. Patients with displaced, unstable proximal humeral fractures may have improved outcomes if managed operatively. Objectives: To study the effect of using Joshi's external stabilizing system (JESS) for the management of fractures of proximal humerus in elderly. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal on 28 subjects with proximal humerus fractures. As per Neer's classification, 3- and 4-part fractures were included and prepared for JESS fixation. The results of the treatment were evaluated as per Neer's criteria. Patients were followed up for 10 − 12 months. Results: Among 18 females and 10 males, 22 had 3-part fracture and 6 had 4-part fracture. Mean duration of JESS application was 10 weeks. Among patients with 3-part fractures 4 cases had excellent result, 12 had satisfactory result, 4 had unsatisfactory result and treatment failed in 2 cases. With 4-part fractures, 2 cases had unsatisfactory result and 4 cases were failures. Conclusion: JESS is an alternative option for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis, showing excellent to good results in cases of Neer's type 3-part fracture.

Unicameral bone cyst

The aim of this study was to determine the benefits of cystography in the management of a simple bone cyst, its implication in the final result of the treatment after corticoid intracystic injections, and the presence of secondary effects. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients diagnosed with a simple bone cyst. Cystography was performed before the corticoid injection. The presence or absence of loculation intracyst and the existence and number of venous outflows were determined. According to the venous drainage, cysts were classified as type 0 when a venous outflow did not exist and as type 1 when there was a rapid venous outflow (<3 min). The treatment protocol included a maximum of three corticoid injections at an interval of 6 months. Healing of the cyst was determined on the basis of Neer's criteria. Secondary effects and surgical complications were assessed. Cystography studies showed a unicameral bone cyst with absent loculation in 16 cases (37.3%), whereas the lesion showed multiloculation in 26 cases (62.7%). There was no statistical difference between loculation intracyst (present or absent) and the final outcomes of the 42 cysts treated with a steroid injection (P=0.9). Cystography showed a negative venogram in 10 cases (23.8%), whereas the cysts showed a rapid venous outflow in 32 cases (76.2%). On the basis of Neer's classification, all patients with a negative venogram achieved complete healing of the cyst. Patients with a rapid venous outflow achieved complete healing in 14 cases (Neer I). In two patients, the healing was incomplete at the end of the follow-up period (Neer IV). In most cases (21 cysts), healing was partial (Neer II). Five patients showed a recurrence after initial healing of the cyst (Neer III) (P<0.05). The number or the size of veins did not affect healing of a bone cyst (P=0.6). Two patients with a rapid venous outflow showed a generalized hypertrichosis after the first injection of corticosteroids. Sex and age at the initiation of the first injection were not significant factors of healing (P=0.4). The average follow-up time was 59 months (24-60 months). Cystography provides morphological and functional information of simple bone cyst. It is a useful test before the administration of percutaneous injections of sclerosing substances. It facilitates the differentiation of cysts that may achieve complete healing (negative venogram) from those that tend to show recurrence (rapid venous outflow). Therapeutic material should be introduced slowly and a second trocar should always be placed to decrease the risk of migration in cysts with communication with the venous system.

Treatment of proximal and middle one-third of humeral fractures with tibial helical plate

Objective To explore the fixation method of tibial helical plate for treatment of proximal and middle one-third of humeral fractures and evaluate the clinical outcome. Methods A review was performed on 15 patients with proximal and middle one-third of humeral fractures treated by tibial helical plate from May 2004 to February 2009. There were 10 males and five females, at age range of 19-65 years ( average 38.0 years). The surgical method was summarized and the shoulder function evaluated.Results The follow-up lasted for 7-24 months (mean 13 months) , which showed bony union in all patients, with mean union time of 4.7 months. There was no implant loosening or failure. According to Neer 's criteria, the result was excellent in seven patients and good in six, with excellence rate of 86.7%.Conclusions Open reduction and internal fixation using tibial helical plate is simple and effective for treatment of proximal and middle one-third of humeral fractures. Key words: Shoulder fractures; Humeral fractures; Tibial helical plate

Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid in glenohumeral arthritis

The purpose of this study was to analyse the intermediate-term results of an arthroscopic procedure to debride and resurface the arthritic glenoid, in a middle-aged population, using an acellular human dermal scaffold. Between 2003 and 2005, thirty-two consecutive patients underwent an arthroscopic debridement and biological glenoid resurfacing for glenohumeral arthritis. The diagnoses included primary osteoarthrosis (28 patients), arthritis after arthroscopic reconstruction for anterior instability (1 patient) and inflammatory arthritis (3 patients). All shoulders were assessed clinically using the Constant and Murley score, and results graded according to Neer's criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant parameters and associations. A significant improvement (P < 0.0001) in each parameter of the subjective evaluation component (severity of pain, limitation in daily living and recreational activities) of the Constant score was observed. The Constant and Murley score increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from a median of 40 points (range 26-63) pre-operatively to 64.5 (range 19-84) at the final assessment. Overall, the procedure was considered as "successful outcome" in 23 patients (72%) and as a "failure" in 9 patients (28%). According to Neer's criteria, the result was categorized as excellent in 9 (28%), satisfactory in 14 (44%) and unsatisfactory in 9 (28%). Within the unsatisfactory group, there were five conversions to prosthetic arthroplasty. A standard magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 22 patients in the successful outcome group; glenoid cartilage was identified in 12 (thick in 5, intermediate in 1, thin in 6) and could not be identified in 10 patients (complete/incomplete loss in 5, technical difficulties in 5). Overall, five complications included transient axillary nerve paresis, foreign-body reaction to biological material, inter-layer dissociation, mild chronic non-specific synovitis and post-traumatic contusion. Dominance of affected extremity and generalized disease (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, generalized osteoarthritis) was associated with an unsatisfactory outcome (P < 0.05). Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid is a minimally invasive therapeutic option for pain relief, functional improvement and patient satisfaction, in glenohumeral osteoarthritis, in the intermediate-term.

Management of the infected shoulder prosthesis: a retrospective analysis and review of the literature

Experience with infected shoulder arthroplasty is limited. Treatment options are either one- or two-stage reimplantation, débridement with retention of the prosthesis, resection arthroplasty or arthrodesis. We retrospectively analysed ten patients with an infected shoulder prosthesis and evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic management as well as the clinical outcome, assessed by the Constant score, Neer's criteria and the mean abduction ability. We identified an infecting organism before surgery in nine patients. Four patients were treated by two-stage exchange reimplantation, five by resection arthroplasty and one underwent serial débridement combined with vacuum-irrigation therapy. Infection was eradicated in all patients of this series. The mean Constant score in resected patients was 32.7, in patients treated by stage exchange 40.1 (no difference) and we measured 90 points in the patient with retention of the implant. In patients treated by resection arthroplasty, merely the mean abduction yielded a better result (63 vs 31°) than in patients treated by two-stage exchange-with the pain level being identical in both groups. Treatment of infected shoulder implants in patients who often have to deal with concomitant diseases remains unsatisfactory. Two-stage exchange procedures yielded only slightly better functional results than resection arthroplasty, which should be considered in cases of elderly or chronically ill patients because it offers good pain relief. Serial débridement combined with irrigation therapy is a new method which offers good clinical results, however with an unknown risk of persisting infection. The authors recommend isolating the infecting organism prior to surgery to allow the administration of organism-specific antibiotics as early as possible during surgery in order to efficiently eradicate the infection.