Proximal Humeral Fracture-dislocations Research Articles

Proximal humeral fracture-dislocations: which patterns can be reduced in the emergency department?

Shoulder fracture-dislocations can represent a challenging management scenario in the emergency department (ED) because of concern for the presence of occult fractures that may displace during a reduction attempt. The alternative, a closed reduction attempt in the operating room, has the benefit of full paralysis but requires additional resource utilization. There is limited guidance in the literature about the risks of an initial reduction attempt in the ED as a function of fracture pattern to help guide physicians with this decision. This was a retrospective case review of adult patients with shoulder dislocations and fracture-dislocations seen in the ED at a level 1 trauma center over a 10-year period. Imaging and medical records were reviewed to evaluate whether the reduction attempt was successful, unsuccessful without worsening, or unsuccessful with worsening alignment of any fractures, as well as the ultimate clinical outcome. We identified 165 patients with fracture-dislocations and 484 patients with simple dislocations during the same period. Of the patients with fracture-dislocations, 103 had greater tuberosity fractures, 12 had nondisplaced surgical neck fractures, and 50 had displaced surgical neck fractures. None of the patients with simple dislocations had displacement during an ED reduction attempt, including 100 patients aged >65 years. Of the 103 patients with greater tuberosity fracture-dislocations, only 1 had displacement of a humeral shaft fracture during ED reduction. Displacement occurred in 6 of 8 patients with nondisplaced neck fractures who underwent an initial ED reduction attempt vs. 1 of 4 patients who underwent the initial reduction attempt in the operating room. ED reduction was attempted in 25 of the 50 displaced humeral neck fracture-dislocations and was successful in 10 of these (40%). For patients with greater tuberosity fracture-dislocations, there is a low rate of displacement with a reduction attempt in the ED, but an ED reduction attempt in nondisplaced neck fractures is not recommended because of the high rate of displacement. For displaced neck fractures, closed reduction can be successful in select patients. Finally, these data confirm prior reports that closed reduction of simple shoulder dislocations in patients aged >65 years is safe in the ED.

Proximal humeral fracture-dislocation: Outcome analysis in osteosynthesis and arthroplasties.

Proximal humeral fracture-dislocations (PHFD) are challenging to treat. In older patients, usually arthroplasty is performed. In younger patients, osteosynthesis is chosen. This study presents functional outcomes of these different treatment modalities. All patients operated for PHFD from 2010 until 2017 were included. Osteosynthesis was performed in younger patients and if reconstruction was possible. Either an open deltopectoral approach or a minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) was performed. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) was done if reconstruction of the tubercles was possible, age was below 63years and no signs of osteoarthritis were present. In all other cases, a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) was done. The primary endpoint was functional outcome assessed with the QuickDASH Score (QDS). Secondary outcomes were subjective shoulder value (SSV), complications, revisions, and conversion into arthroplasty. The mean follow-up of 40 patients was 56 ± 24months. The mean QDS was 4.5 (0.6-9.1) and the mean SSV was 90 (80-98.6). Of these, 33 patients (mean age: 50) had an osteosynthesis, 25 were treated with MIPO. Only 18% were converted into an arthroplasty after a mean of 22months. Among them, 7 patients received a primary arthroplasty (mean age: 68), no revisions were recorded. Subgroup analysis showed functional outcome deficits in avascular necrosis (AVN) compared to no AVN (p = 0.021), revision surgery compared to no revision (p = 0.040) and in HA compared to rTSA (p = 0.007). Both osteosynthesis and primary arthroplasty after PHFD can lead to good or even excellent functional outcome. Revision rates in osteosynthesis are high. Revision procedures or secondary conversion into arthroplasty after failed osteosynthesis decrease outcome scores significantly.

Operative Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fracture-dislocations Through an Anterolateral Deltoid Split Approach.

Proximal humeral fracture-dislocations (PHFD) are a special entity in proximal humeral fracture treatment. The aim of this study is to present our minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique through an anterolateral deltoid split approach. In addition, we performed a retrospective cohort study analyzing the patient reported functional outcome and complications. A single center cohort study was performed. All patients operated through a deltoid split approach for PHFD between 2009 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was subjective shoulder function measured with QuickDASH and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Secondary endpoints were complications and implant-related irritation. 28 patients were included. The mean age was 49 (SD ± 10.3). The mean follow-up was 48 months (SD ± 23.7). The mean QuickDASH score was 6.8 (SD ±7.8) and the mean SSV was 86 (SD ±14.6). Four patients had a conversion into a reversed arthroplasty (14%), one patient (4%) a shortening of secondary perforated screws, four patients an early re-osteosynthesis (14%), four patients (14%) developed an AVN and in one patient damage of the axillary nerve was observed. 21 patients (75%) had their implant removed. Patient reported functional results after humeral head preservation and internal fixation of PHFDs through an anterolateral deltoid spilt approach are promising. However, there is a high rate of re-operations either because of complications or for implant removal. Comparing our data to literature these rates are not depending on the approach chosen.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Geriatric Proximal Humerus Fracture Dislocation With Concomitant Nerve Injury.

Introduction:Preoperative axillary nerve palsy is a contraindication to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) due to the theoretical risk of higher dislocation rates and poor functional outcomes. Treatment of fracture-dislocations of the proximal humerus with rTSA is particularly challenging, as these injuries commonly present with concomitant neurologic and soft tissue injury. The aim of the current study was to determine the efficacy of rTSA for this fracture pattern in geriatric patients presenting with occult or profound neurologic injury.Methods:A retrospective case series of all shoulder arthroplasty procedures for proximal humerus fractures from February 2006 to February 2018 was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients aged greater than 65 years at the time of surgery, fracture-dislocations of the proximal humerus, and treatment with rTSA. Patients with preoperative nerve injuries were compared to patients without overt neurologic dysfunction. Forward elevation, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) were obtained at final follow-up.Results:Forty-six rTSA for acute fracture were performed during the study period, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria and 5 (31%) presented with overt preoperative nerve injuries. At mean 3.1 years follow up, there were no postoperative complications including dislocations and final forward elevation was similar between study groups. Patients with overt nerve palsy had higher QuickDASH and VAS scores with lower SSV and self-rated satisfaction.Discussion:In the majority of patients with or without overt nerve injury, rTSA reliably restored overhead function and led to good or excellent patient-rated treatment outcomes. Overt nerve palsy did not lead to higher complication rates, including dislocation. Despite greater disability and less satisfaction, complete or partial nerve recovery can be expected in the majority of patients.Conclusion:Nerve injury following proximal humeral fracture dislocation may not be an absolute contraindication to rTSA.

Retrospective analysis of proximal humeral fracture-dislocations managed with locked plates

Fracture-dislocation is the extreme variant of injury to the proximal humerus that occurs more commonly in young adults as a result of high-velocity trauma. We evaluated the functional and radiologic outcome of fixation of proximal humeral fracture-dislocations with locked plates. This was a retrospective review of 33 proximal humeral fracture-dislocations in 29 patients with a mean age of 35 years (range, 19-60 years) treated by open reduction and internal fixation with locked plates between January 2009 and December 2013. The fracture-dislocation in 85% was the result of high-energy trauma resulting in 3- or 4-part fracture-dislocation. The fracture-dislocation was anterior in 27 and posterior in 6. The average delay from injury to surgery was 7 days (range, 1-35 days), with a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24-66 months). All of the fractures united at an average of 15 weeks after surgery. At the final follow-up, the mean forward flexion was 129° (range, 100°-160°), and mean abduction was 128° (range, 100°-150°). The mean Constant score at the final follow-up was 78 points (range, 68-88 points). One case of complete osteonecrosis of the humeral head and 1 case of partial osteonecrosis of the humeral head were noted. Two cases of screw perforation of the humeral head were seen, with subsequent restricted range of motion improving after removal of the offending screws. Most young patients with 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fracture-dislocations can achieve good functional outcome after fixation with locked plates.

Delayed presentation of axillary artery injury in proximal humeral fracture dislocation

Vascular compromise in association with proximal humeral skeletal trauma is rare. Nonetheless, it has the potential for adverse outcome in the form of limb ischemia and loss. Prompt recognition of the insult may not only prevent a disaster but also salvage an extremity. A palpable radial and ulnar pulse is assumed to suggest a normal vascular status but as this illustrative case report shows is not always true. Delayed presentation of vascular insult is even more difficult to diagnose unless diligently searched for. Once appreciated, a prompt vascular intervention can salvage a difficult situation.

Nail Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Proximal humerus (PH) fractures are among the most fracture types. Surgery is indicated in displaced fractures. The charge-book for surgical management of PH fractures is restoring PH anatomy, obtaining stable osteosynthesis, and conserving PH vascularization. Proximal humerus nailing is an osteosynthesis technique we have been using since 2000. Our initial indication for using a nail for PH fractures was displaced fractures of the surgical neck in elderly patients; these have since been expanded to include 3-part fractures, some special proximal humeral fracture dislocations, and 4-part valgus impacted fractures. However, nail fixation for PH fracture is not a panacea, and our surgical arsenal also includes bone sutures, percutaneous osteosynthesis, anatomical PH plates, and PH fracture prostheses. We detail the technique and the indication for each case. This technique is technically demanding, but after a learning curve, nail fixation for PH fractures is a very good technique if the indication is well defined.