Epidemiologic investigation of pediatric distal humerus fractures: An American insurance claims database study

BACKGROUND Distal humerus elbow fractures are one of the most common traumatic fractures seen in pediatric patients and present as three main types:Supracondylar(SC),lateral condyle(LC),and medial epicondyle(ME)fractures.AIM To evaluate the epidemiology of pediatric distal humerus fractures(SC,LC,and ME)from an American insurance claims database.METHODS A retrospective review was performed on patients 17 years and younger with the ICD 9 and 10 codes for SC,LC and ME fractures based on the IBM Truven MarketScan®Commercial and IBM Truven MarketScan Medicare Supplemental databases.Patients from 2015 to 2020 were queried for treatments,patient age,sex,length of hospitalization,and comorbidities.RESULTS A total of 1133 SC,154 LC,and 124 ME fractures were identified.SC fractures had the highest percentage of operation at 83%,followed by LC(78%)and ME fractures(41%).Male patients were,on average,older than female patients for both SC and ME fractures.CONCLUSION In the insurance claims databases used,SC fractures were the most reported,followed by LC fractures,and finally ME fractures.Age was identified to be a factor for how a pediatric distal humerus fractures,with patients with SC and LC fractures being younger than those with ME fractures.The peak age per injury per sex was similar to reported historic central tendencies,despite reported trends for younger physiologic development.

Blount Method in the Management of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children

Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are the most common traumatic elbow injury in children. Several techniques are described in their support. Blount’s method is one of the widely used orthopedic means. The objective of our study was to evaluate the results of supracondylar fractures of the humerus treated by this method in our department. This was a descriptive, longitudinal study with the prospective collection over a period of 12 months from May 2018 to April 2019. It focused on children aged 0 to 15 years treated in the Orthopedic Traumatology Department of the CHU of Kati for a supracondylar fracture of the humerus in extension. A minimum follow-up period of 6 months was necessary for inclusion. 12 patients were collected. The sociodemographic, anatomopathologic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects were studied. The results were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria. The male sex was predominant with a ratio of 2. The average age was 5.5 years. The average admission time was 12.5 hours. Domestic accidents were the main etiology (66.66%) and Type II fracture was the most frequent with 58.33%. The duration of immobilization was 42 days for 11 patients. Complications were 1 case of secondary displacement and 1 case of 12&#730 flexion deficit. The average Baumann angle was 72&#730. The result was satisfactory for all our patients. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common in children, especially boys. The method of Blount when it is well carried out by respecting the indications gives good results.

The Effect of Weather Conditions on Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

Background: Environmental conditions are effective on childhood supracondylar humerus fractures. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between weather conditions and these fractures. Materials and Methods: We started this study following the approval of a non-interventional research ethics committee. Patients (<16 years) who applied to the hospital between January 2013 and July 2018 with supracondylar humerus fractures were included in the study. The hospital’s PROBEL system was used to diagnose (International Classification of the Diseases, ICD, S42.4) radiological images and patient information. Information on the weather conditions in the day and time period, in which supracondylar humerus fracture occurred, was obtained from TR (Turkey) Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Meteorology. The relationship between supracondylar fracture and daily weather conditions (wind, air temperature, cloudiness, and season) was analyzed. Results: Most of the patients (n = 76, 40.6%, p < 0.05) were fractures occurring under cloudless weather conditions. Fractures were concentrated with a second frequency in cloudy weather over 60%, except for cloudless weather conditions (n = 51, 27.3%, p < 0.05). In the summer months when the air temperature was high, the number of fractures was higher (n = 62, 33.2%, p < 0.05) and less in the winter months (n = 24, 12.8%, p < 0.05). In hot weather conditions where the daily average temperature was above 20°C, supracondylar humerus fractures were observed more (n = 101, 54%) and less than 10°C (n = 43, 23%, p < 0.05). Increased incidence of fractures was observed in the presence of wind (n = 4, 2.1%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children. Environmental conditions (temperature, wind, and season) can be effective in the occurrence of these fractures.

Modified Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Kirschner Wires Internal Fixation for Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children

Objective Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most frequent fractures of the paediatric elbow.The present study introduced a modified surgical procedure for treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children.Methods From February 2015 to August 2019,73 patients with Gartland’s type II and III supracondylar fractures were treated with this modified method.Totally,68 of all patients were followed up for 3–12 months(mean 8.25 months).The evaluation results included fracture nonunion,ulnar nerve injury,pin track infection,carrying angle and elbow joint Flynn score.Results The results showed that bone union was observed in all children,one case had an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury,and the symptoms were completely relieved in 4 months after removing of the medial-side pin.All children had no cubitus varus deformity and no pin track infection,and the rate of satisfactory results according to Flynn’s criteria score was 100%.Conclusion The modified closed reduction and Kirschner wires internal fixation could effectively reduce the rate of open reduction,the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury,and the incidence of cubitus varus deformity in treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach for coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus:Report of three cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are rare injuries and are technically challenging to manage.Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)has become the preferred treatment because it provides anatomical reduction,stable internal fixation,and early motion,but the optimal surgical approach remains controversial.CASE SUMMARY We report three cases of coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus treated successfully by ORIF via a novel surgical approach,in which lateral epicondyle osteotomy was performed based on the extended lateral approach.We named the novel surgical approach the lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach.All patients underwent surgical treatment and were discharged successfully.All patients had excellent functional results according to the Mayo elbow performance score.The average range of motion was 118°in flexion/extension and 172°in pronation/supination.Only case 2 had a complication,which was implant prolapse.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the lateral epicondyle osteotomy approach in ORIF is effective and safe for coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus.

Mortality following combined fractures of the hip and proximal humerus

BACKGROUND Hip fractures and proximal humerus fractures are known to be associated with increased mortality,but the impact on mortality of combining these two common injuries is not well known.AIM To compare mortality,inpatient stay and discharge destination for patients with combined hip and proximal humerus fractures with those sustaining isolated hip fractures.METHODS Using the United Kingdom national hip fracture database,we identified all hip fracture patients over the age of 60 admitted to a single trauma unit from 2010-2016.Patients sustaining a proximal humerus fracture in addition to their hip fracture were identified using hospital coding data.We calculated the 30-d and one-year mortality for both the hip fracture cohort and the combined hip and proximal humerus fracture cohort.Other variables recorded included age,gender and whether the proximal humerus was treated with or without an operation.RESULTS We identified 4131 patients with hip fractures within the study period and out of those 40 had sustained both a hip and a proximal humerus fracture.Mean age in the hip fracture cohort was 80.9 years and in the combined fracture group 80.3 years.Out of the 40 patients in the combined group four were treated operatively.The 30-d mortality for our hip fracture cohort was 7.2%compared to the mortality of our combined cohort of 12.5%(P=0.163).The one-year mortality for our hip fracture cohort was 26.4%compared to 40%for the combined fracture cohort(P=0.038).We also found patients with combined injuries were less likely to return to their own home.CONCLUSION The 30-d and one-year mortality is higher for those patients who have sustained a combined hip and proximal humerus fracture when compared to those with a hip fracture alone.

Surgical Treatment for Proximal Humerus Fractures Comparison between Plate Fixation and Kapandji’s Pinning

Introduction: Proximal humerus fractures are common, however, there is no consensus on a decision-making algorithm for the therapeutic management of these fractures, the aim of this study is to evaluate and compare functional results between two surgical techniques and to deduce the satisfactory results of the Kapandji’s pinning which, compared to the screw plate, should keep its place in the therapeutic arsenal. Patients and Methods: It’s a retrospective study, including two groups: The first of 18 patients treated with palm-tree pinning using kapandji’s technique, the second of 16 patients treated with anatomical screw plate at the orthopedic trauma service of the Mohamed VI university hospital between July 2013 and July 2018. We compared the results of the two techniques by studying three parameters which are the healing time, the anatomical reduction, and the functional outcomes. The average age was 46 years, and the sex ratio (M/F) was 2.3. Results: The statistical analysis of functional and radiological results showed no significant difference between the two techniques, indeed the average healing time was 56.3 days in the group treated by screw plate and 55.2 days in the group treated by Kapandji’s pinning (p = 0.46), Constant’s score was 73.18 and 79.05 respectively (p = 0.27) and the average cephalodiaphyseal angle was 49.03° and 52.07°, respectively (p = 0.35). Discussion: This study has clearly shown, as reported in the literature, that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest superiority of os-teosynthesis by anatomical plate versus kapandji’s pinning. However, the simple achievement of pinning according to kapandji’s technique, the preservation of soft tissues and the low cost make us prefer this technique. Furthermore, despite the progress noted in the development of osteosynthesis means of the proximal humerus, percutaneous pinning should always keep its place.

SURGERY ON INTERCONDYLAR FRACTURE OF HUMERUS

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Treatment of proximal humeral fractures accompanied by medial calcar fractures using fibular autografts:A retrospective,comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND Severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures are often accompanied by medial calcar comminuted fractures and loss of medial support,which are important factors that lead to internal fixation failure.The appropriate treatment for proximal humerus comminuted fractures has not been established.Therefore,this study assessed the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.AIM To investigate the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.METHODS This retrospective,comparative cohort study included two groups of patients.Group 1 comprised 22 patients and group 2 comprised 25 patients with complete follow-up data.Group 1 was treated with a fibular autograft with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.Group 2 was treated with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.The intraoperative blood loss volume from the shoulder wound,operative time,shoulder wound pain,bone fracture healing time,Constant-Murley score of the shoulder joint,preoperative Holden walking function score,Mallet score of the shoulder joint,and humeral neck-shaft angle during surgery of the two groups were compared,and the differences were analysed using an independent sample t-test.RESULTS Group 1 had a shorter mean operative time than group 2(2.25±0.30 h vs 2.76±0.44 h;P=0.000).Group 1 had a lower shoulder wound pain score on the first day after surgery than group 2(7.91±1.15 points vs 8.56±1.00 points;P=0.044).Group 1 had a shorter fracture healing time than group 2(2.68±0.48 mo vs 3.64±0.64 mo;P=0.000).Group 1 had higher Constant-Murley scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(76.64±4.02 points vs 72.72±3.02 points,86.36±3.53 points vs 82.96±3.40 points,and 87.95±2.77 points vs 84.68±2.63 points,respectively;P=0.000,0.002,and 0.000,respectively).Group 1 had higher Mallet scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(10.32±0.57 points vs 9.96±0.54 points,13.36±1.00 points vs 12.60±0.87 points,and 13.91±0.75 points vs 13.36±0.70 points,respectively;P=0.032,0.007,and 0.013,respectively).CONCLUSION Using locking plates with a fibular autograft can recreate medial support,facilitate fracture healing,and improve shoulder function;therefore,this may be an effective treatment option for severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.

Fractures around the shoulder in the skeletally immature:A scoping review

Fractures around the shoulder girdle in children are mainly caused by sports accidents.The clavicle and the proximal humerus are most commonly involved.Both the clavicle and the proximal humerus have a remarkable potential for remodeling,which is why most of these fractures in children can be treated conservatively.However,the key is to understand when a child benefits from surgical management.Clear indications for surgery of these fractures are lacking.This review focuses on the available evidence on the management of clavicle and proximal humerus fractures in children.The only strict indications for surgery for diaphyseal clavicle fractures in children are open fractures,tenting of the skin with necrosis,associated neurovascular injury,or a floating shoulder.There is no evidence to argue for surgery of displaced clavicle fractures to prevent malunion since most malunions are asymptomatic.In the rare case of a symptomatic malunion of the clavicle in children,corrective osteosynthesis is a viable treatment option.For proximal humerus fractures in children,treatment is dictated by the patient's age(and thus remodeling potential)and the amount of fracture displacement.Under ten years of age,even severely displaced fractures can be treated conservatively.From the age of 13 and onwards,surgery has better outcomes for severely displaced(Neer types III and IV)fractures.Between 10 and 13 years of age,the indications for surgical treatment are less clear,with varying cut-off values of angulation(30-60 degrees)or displacement(1/3–2/3 shaft width)in the current literature.

Humeral head replacement and individualized rehabilitation for displaced four-part fractures of proximal humerus

Objective To investigate the clinical outcome of humeral head replacement and individualized rehabilitation for displaced four-part fractures of proximal humerus,to provide clinical guideline of treating complicated fractures of

Clinical significance of Baumann's angle in the percutaneous pinning fixation for supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children

To evaluate the clinical significance of Baumann’s angle in the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning fixation for supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.Methods There were 97 children (male 59,female 38,mean age of 6.8 years) with displaced supracondylar fracrtures of the humerus were treated in this hospital.Under fluoroscopy guidance,three-dimensional displacement of fractures was corrected by closed reduction.The percutaneous Kirschner wire pinning was applied only if the radiographs demonstrated that Baumann’s angle was less than 4 degree compared to that on the normal side.All of them were followed up for 34.5 months (range,12 to 48 months).Results There was one case with ulnar nerve palsy associated with the pinning.There were no Volkmann’s contracture in this group.X-ray examinations revealed an average 73.7 degrees of Baumann angle on the injured and 72.8 on uninjured side.An average 7.6 degrees of the carrying angle on the injured and 9.7 on uninjured side were also demonstrated by radiography.Five patients developed slight cubitus varus deformity.The result according to Flynn criteria were excellent in 85 patients (87.6%),good in 12 patients (12.4%).Conclusion The satisfactory results can be gained in children with displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus by restoration of the normal Baumann angle and percutaneous pinning fixation.18 refs,2 figs.

Mechanisms of shoulder trauma: Current concepts

Acute traumatic injuries to the glenohumeral articulation are common.The types of injuries depend on age,muscle strength,bone density,and biomechanics of the traumatic event.Understanding the different mechanisms of trauma and how they affect the functional anatomical structures of the shoulder joint is crucial for the treatment of these lesions.Therefore,when clinicians have knowledge of these mechanisms they can accurately diagnose and treat shoulder pathology and predict distinct injury patterns.Here,we have described the fundamentals of the mechanisms of injury of the glenohumeral dislocation,dislocation with fracture of the humeral head,and the proximal humerus fracture.We have focused on common injury mechanisms and the correlation with radiological diagnostics.Radiological and laboratory findings of distinct types of injury were also discussed.

Percutaneous fixation of neonatal humeral physeal fracture: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Neonatal distal humeral physeal fractures are rare and difficult to diagnose.Thus,missed diagnoses and delayed healing are possible.Few studies have reported surgical treatment,because a callus may develop at the fracture site 5 d after the fracture,resulting in difficult reduction,and reduction of the limb may cause further physeal injury.Other surgical challenges include the provision of adequate anesthesia and complexity of the operation.However,without appropriate reduction and fixation,a varus elbow deformity may develop.Manual reduction and percutaneous pin fixation are ideal treatment options.CASE SUMMARY A 4-day-old neonate with left elbow pain accompanied by limited movement for 4 d was admitted,and diagnosed with delayed physeal fracture of the distal humerus based on physical examination,ultrasonography,and magnetic resonance imaging.The patient was treated by manual reduction combined with percutaneous pin fixation under arthrography.Postoperatively,the reduction was successful.The upper limbs could have been lifted and the fingers could have been moved freely on the second day after the operation.CONCLUSION The techniques of manual reduction and percutaneous pin fixation,to treat neonatal distal humeral physeal fractures,are safe and reliable.

Fragility of statistically significant findings from randomized clinical trials of surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Despite recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials(RCTs),there remains no consensus regarding the preferred surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures.The fragility index(FI)is an emerging tool used to evaluate the robustness of RCTs by quantifying the number of participants in a study group that would need to switch outcomes in order to reverse the study conclusions.AIM To investigate the fragility index of randomized control trials assessing outcomes of operative fixation in proximal humerus fractures.METHODS We completed a systematic review of RCTs evaluating the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures.Inclusion criteria included:articles published in English;patients randomized and allotted in 1:1 ratio to 2 parallel arms;and dichotomous outcome variables.The FI was calculated for total complications,each complication individually,and secondary surgeries using the Fisher exact test,as previously published.RESULTS Fifteen RCTs were included in the analysis comparing open reduction plate osteosynthesis with dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate,intramedullary nail,and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis.The median FI was 0 for all parameters analyzed.Regarding individual outcomes,the FI was 0 for 81/91(89%)of outcomes.The FI exceeded the number lost to follow up in only 2/91(2%)outcomes.CONCLUSION The FI shows that data from RCTs regarding operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures are fragile and does not demonstrate superiority of any particular surgical technique.

Plate vs reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures:The psychological health influence the choice of device?

BACKGROUND Proximal humeral fractures represent the third most common observed osteoporotic fracture;the treatment in three and four-part proximal humeral fractures in patients over 65 years is still controversial.Among the treatments described in literature,open reduction and internal fixation(O.R.I.F)and reverse shoulder arthroplasty(RSA)are gaining an increasing popularity.AIM To investigate the correct treatment for three and four-part proximal humeral fractures according to psychological aspects.METHODS It was conducted a prospective study with a series of 63 patients treated with O.R.I.F.(group A)and with RSA(group B)for three and four-part proximal humeral fractures according to Neer classification system.A conservative treatment group,as control,was finally introduced.One independent observer performed clinical and a psychological evaluation at one(T0),six(T1)and twelve months(T2)postoperatively.The Constant’s score and The Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand(DASH score)were used for clinical evaluation,while General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7)and Caregiver Strain Scale(CSS)were used for psychological evaluation.RESULTS At one month follow up in group A the mean values were DASH score 50.8,Constant score 36.1,GAD-7 score 5.4,CSS 5.0.For the group B,the average values at T0 were:DASH score 54.6,Constant score 32.0;GAD-7 score 6.4,CSS 6.2.At six months in group A the average values were DASH score 42.1,Constant score 47.3,GAD-7 score 4.3,CSS 3.9.For the group B,the average values at T1 were:DASH score 39.1,Constant score 43.2,GAD-7 score 5.7,CSS 5.5.At twelve months in the group A,the mean values were DASH score 32.8,Constant score 60.0,GAD-7 score 3.2,CSS 3.1.For the group B shown these mean values:DASH score 33.6,Constant score 52.9,GAD-7 score 4.3,CSS 4.5.We demonstrated a better clinical and psychological outcome at T2 in the group treated with osteosynthesis compared to the group treated with arthroplasty(Constant P=0.049,GAD-7 P=0.012 and CSS P=0.005).A better clinical and psychological outcome emerged in control group at T2 comparing with surgical group(DASH score P=0.014,Constant score P<0.001,GAD-7 P=0.002 and CSS P=0.001).CONCLUSION Both open osteosynthesis and reverse shoulder arthroplasty are valid treatments for proximal humeral fractures.According to the best osteosynthesis results the authors suggested to perform a psychological analysis for each patient in order to choose the appropriate treatment.

Effect of tuberosity repair on functional outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in proximal humerus fractures

Purpose:Unsatisfactory results of hemiarthroplasty in Neer’’s 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly,have led to the shift towards reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).The objective of our study was to repair the tuberosities that are generally overlooked during RSA and observe its impact on the functional outcome and shoulder scores.Methods:We include elderly patients with acutely displaced or dislocated 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures from July 2013 to November 2019 who were treated with RSA along with tuberosity repair by non-absorbable sutures and bone grafting harvested from the humeral head.Open injuries and cases with neuro-muscular involvement of the deltoid muscle were excluded.According to the tuberosity healing on radiographs of the shoulder at 9th postoperative month,the patients were divided into 2 groups,as the group with successful tuberosity repair and the other with failed tuberosity repair.Statistical analysis of the functional outcome and shoulder scores between the 2 groups were done by independentt-test for normally distributed parameters and Mann-Whitney test for the parameters,where data was not normally distributed.Results:Of 41 patients,tuberosity healing was achieved in 28 (68.3%) and failed in 13 (31.7%) cases.Lysis of the tuberosity occurred in 5 patients,tuberosity displacement in 2,and nonunion in 2.Mean age was 70.4 years (range 65 – 79 years) and mean follow-up was 58.7 months (range 18 – 93 months).There were no major complications.Group with successful tuberosity repair showed improvement in mean active range of movements,like anterior elevation (165.1°± 4.9°vs.144.6°± 9.4°,p < 0.000),lateral elevation (158.9°± 7.2°vs.138.4°± 9.6°,p < 0.000),external rotation (30.5°± 6.9°vs.35.0°± 6.3°,p = 0.367),internal rotation (33.7°± 7.5°vs.32.6°± 6.9°,p = 0.671) and in mean shoulder scores including Constant score (70.7 ± 4.1vs.55.5 ± 5.7,p < 0.000),American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (90.3 ± 2.4vs.69.0 ± 5.7,p < 0.000),disability of arm shoulder and hand score (22.1 ± 2.3vs.37.6 ± 2.6,p < 0.000).Conclusion:Successful repair and tuberosity healing around the RSA prosthesis is associated with statistically significant improvement in postoperative range of motion,strength and shoulder scores.Standardized repair technique and interposition of cancellous bone grafts,harvested from the humeral head can improve the rate of tuberosity healing.

Effectiveness of an early operating room start time in managing pediatric trauma

BACKGROUND The timing of operative treatment for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures(SCHF)and femoral shaft fractures(FSF)remains controversial.Many fractures previously considered to be surgical emergencies,such as SCHF and open fractures,are now commonly being treated the following day.When presented with an urgent fracture overnight needing operative treatment,the on-call surgeon must choose whether to mobilize resources for a late-night case or to add the case to an elective schedule of the following day.AIM To describe the effect of a program allowing an early operating room(OR)start for uncomplicated trauma prior to an elective day of surgery to decrease wait times for surgery for urgent fractures admitted overnight.METHODS Starting in October 2017,patients were eligible for the early slot in the OR at the discretion of the surgeon if they were admitted after 21:00 the previous night and before 05:00.We compared demographics and timing of treatment of SCHF and FSF treated one year before and after implementation as well as the survey responses from the surgical team.RESULTS Of the 44 SCHF meeting inclusion criteria,16 received treatment before imple mentation while 28 were treated after.After implementation,the mean wait time for surgery decreased by 4.8 h or 35.4%(13.4 h vs 8.7 h;P=0.001).There were no significant differences in the operative duration,time in the post anesthesia care unit,and wait time for discharge.Survey results demonstrated decreased popularity of the program among nurses and anesthesiologists relative to surgeons.Whereas 57%of the surgeons believed that the program was effective,only 9%of anesthesiologists and 16%of nurses agreed.The program was ultimately discontinued given the dissatisfaction.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate significantly reduced wait times for surgery for uncomplicated SCHF presenting overnight while discussing the importance of shared decision-making with the stakeholders.Although the program produced promising results,it also created new conflicts within the OR staff that led to its discontinuation at our institution.Future implementations of such programs should involve stakeholders early in the planning process to better address the needs of the OR staff.

Locking plate fixation combined with iliac crest bone autologous graft for proximal humerus comminuted fracture

Background Although the use of an intramedullary fibular allograft together with locking plate fixation can provide additional medial support and prevent varus malalignment in displaced proximal humeral fractures with promising results,the fibular autograft donor site often sustains significant trauma and cannot restore the articular surface of comminuted fractures.The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a locking plate and crest bone autologous graft for treating proximal humerus comminuted fractures.Methods We assessed the functional outcomes and complication rates in 40 patients with proximal humerus comminuted fractures.Eighteen patients were treated with a locking plate and an autologous crest bone graft （experimental group）,and 22 were treated with only the locking plate and no bone graft （control group）.Postoperative assessments included radiographic imaging,range of motion analysis,pain level based on the visual analogue scale （VAS）,and the SF-36 （Short Form （36） Health Survey）,as well as whether patients could retum to their previous occupation.Results All fractures healed both clinically and radiologically in the experimental group.There was no more than 2 mm collapse of the humeral head,and no osteonecrosis or screw penetration of the articular surface.In contrast,two patients had a nonunion in the control group,and they eventually accepted total shoulder replacements.The average time from surgery to radiographic union was significantly shorter in the experimental group （（4.66±1.63） months） compared with the control group （（5.98±1.57） months） （P ＜0.05）.For the experimental versus controls groups,the mean shoulder active flexion （148.00±18.59 vs.121.73±17.20） degrees,extension （49.00±2.22 vs.42.06±2.06） degrees,internal rotation （45.00±5.61 vs.35.00±3.55）degrees,external rotation （64.00±9.17 vs.52.14±5.73）degrees,and abduction （138.00±28.78 vs.105.95±15.66） degrees were all significantly higher （all P ＜0.001）.The median SF-36 in the experimental group （（88.00±5.71） points） was significantly higher than that of the control group （（69.45±9.45） points; P ＜0.001）.The median VAS pain level （mean rank,10.50） in the experimental group was lower than that （mean rank,47.19） of the control group （P ＜0.001）.All but one patient （17 of 18,94.4％） in the experimental group returned to their previous activities or occupations,and that one patient changed to a different occupation because of slight restrictions to activities.On the other hand,four patients could not return to their previous activities or occupations in the control group.Conclusion Locking plate fixation combined with an iliac crest bone graft is an effective technique for treating proximal humerus comminuted fractures.