Operative vs non-operative management of displaced proximal humeral fractures in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing operative vs non-operative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE through the OVID interface,CINAHL,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),Proquest,Web of Science,SAE digital library,and Transportation Research Board's TRID database.Searches of conference proceedings were also conducted.All available randomized controlled trials comparing operative vs non-operative management of displaced three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients were included.The primary outcomes measures included physical function,pain,health related quality of life,mortality,and the re-operation rate.RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials(n = 287) were included.There was no statistically significant difference in function(MD = 1.72,95%CI:-2.90-6.34,P = 0.47),as measured by the Constant score,between the operative and the non-operative treatment groups.There was no statistically significance difference insecondary outcomes of health related quality of life(standardized MD = 0.27,95%CI:-0.05-0.59,P = 0.09),and mortality(relative risk 1.29,95%CI: 0.50-3.35,P = 0.60).Operative treatment had a statistically significant higher re-operation rate(relative risk 4.09,95%CI: 1.50-11.15,P = 0.006),and statistically significant decreased pain(MD = 1.26,95%CI: 0.02-2.49,P = 0.05).CONCLUSION: There is moderate quality evidence to suggest that there is no difference in functional outcomes between the two treatments.Further high quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine if certain subgroup populations benefit from surgical management.

Knee osteoarthritis:Therapeutic alternatives in primary care

AIM To discusses pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives for managing knee osteoarthritis in primary care by primary health care nurse practitioners.METHODS A case example is presented, the evidence-based guideline recommendations of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are reviewed, and a plan of care is developed.RESULTS Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis seen in primary care, and it is a major public health issue because the aging population and widespread obesity have drastically increased incidence. Osteoarthritis is clinically associated with escalating chronic pain, physical disability, and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis of mild osteoarthritis in relatively young patients presents an opportunity for primary health care providers to manage pain, increase quality of life, and decrease risk of disability. CONCLUSION Primary health care providers can implement these recommendations in their own practices to provide care to patients with knee osteoarthritis based on current best evidence.