Clinical effect of operative vs nonoperative treatment on humeral shaft fractures:Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND Whether operation is superior to non-operation for humeral shaft fracture remains debatable.We hypothesized that operation could decrease the nonunion and reintervention rates and increase the functional outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy between operative and nonoperative approaches for humeral shaft fractures.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,and Cochrane databases from 1990 to December 2023 for clinical trials and cohort studies comparing the effects of operative and conservative methods on humeral shaft fractures.Two investigators independently extracted data from the eligible studies,and the other two assessed the methodological quality of each study.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk bias or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.The nonunion,reintervention and the overall complications and functional scores were pooled and analyzed using Review Manager software(version 5.3).RESULTS A total of four randomized control trials and 13 cohort studies were included,with 1285 and 1346 patients in the operative and nonoperative groups,respectively.Patients in the operative group were treated with a plate or nail,whereas those in the conservative group were managed with splint or functional bracing.Four studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias,and the other 13 were of a low risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk bias tool.The operative group had a significantly decreased rate of nonunion[odds ratio(OR)0.30;95%CI:0.23 to 0.40,reintervention(OR:0.33;95%CI:0.24 to 0.47),and overall complications(OR:0.62;95%CI:0.49 to 0.78)].The pooled effect of the Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder,and Hand score showed a significant difference at 3[mean difference(MD)-8.26;95%CI:-13.60 to-2.92],6(MD:-6.72;95%CI:-11.34 to-2.10),and 12 months(MD:-2.55;95%CI:-4.36 to-0.74).The pooled effect of Visual Analog Scale scores and the Constant-Murley score did not significantly differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend of rapid functional recovery and decreased rates of nonunion and reintervention after operation for humeral shaft fracture compared to conservative treatment.

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Clinical outcomes of triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy approach for distal humerus intercondylar fractures

BACKGROUND The preferred treatment for distal humeral intercondylar fractures is open reduction and internal fixation.While there is consensus about the posterior approach,several posterior approaches have been developed.It is debatable as to which approach is best.AIM To compare triceps reflecting anconeus pedicle(TRAP)and olecranon osteotomy approaches for internal fixation of distal humeral intercondylar fracture.METHODS In total,40 cases of Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association of the Study of Internal Fixation type C,closed,and Gustilo type I intercondylar humeral fractures were included.Patients ranged in age from 18 years to 70 years.The patients were randomized into two groups:TRAP group and olecranon osteotomy group,with 20 cases in each.All were followed up at 6 wk,3 months,6 months,and 12 months.Functional outcomes were measured in terms of flexion-extension arc,Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder and Hand score,and Mayo Elbow Performance Score.RESULTS The mean age was 43.2 years in the TRAP group and 37.5 years in the olecranon osteotomy group.The mean operative time and mean duration of hospital stay in the TRAP group were significantly higher than in the olecranon osteotomy group(119.5 vs 111.5 min and 9.85 vs 5.45 d,respectively).The mean arc of flexion-extension,Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder and Hand score,and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were comparable without any significant difference in the groups at the 12-month follow-up(107.0 vs 106.2,18.3 vs 15.7,and 84.2 vs 86.2,respectively).Ulnar paresthesia and superficial infections were comparable in both groups(2 cases vs 3 cases and 3 cases vs 2 cases,respectively).Hardware prominence was significantly higher in the olecranon osteotomy group,mostly due to tension band wiring.CONCLUSION Both approaches were equivalent,but there is a need for further study including higher numbers of subjects and longer study duration to prove the benefits of one approach over the other.

Radial nerve recovery following closed nailing of humeral shaft fractures without radial nerve exploration: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft fracture is the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures.An antegrade nailing surgical technique is becoming popular for the fixation of these fractures with minimal invasiveness.We analyzed nerve recovery in patients with humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy treated with humeral nail fixation without nerve exploration.AIM To assess the radial nerve recovery rate and time from humeral shaft fracture with surgical treatment using close nailing.METHODS We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent undergone surgical nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures between October 1,2016,and March 31,2020.Subsequently,we analyzed the primary or secondary radial nerve palsy recovery rate and radial nerve motor function recovery time.RESULTS The study included 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for closed-or Gustilo type I open humeral shaft fractures using a nail fixation technique without radial nerve exploration.The patients suffered from primary(n=5)and secondary(n=5)radial nerve palsy.A 100%radial nerve recovery rate was achieved.The mean recovery time was 4.3 mo.CONCLUSION The study results indicate full recovery of radial nerve palsies from humeral shaft fracture using close nailing treatment.Surgeons need not be concerned about the occurrence of permanent nerve palsies.

Low risk of postoperative ulnar nerve affection in surgically treated distal humeral fractures when the nerve is released in situ

BACKGROUND Adult distal humeral fractures(DHF)comprise 2%-5%of all fractures and 30%of all elbow fractures.Treatment of DHF may be technically demanding due to fracture complexity and proximity of neurovascular structures.Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)are often the treatment of choice,but arthroplasty is considered in case of severe comminution or in elderly patients with poor bone quality.Ulnar nerve affection following surgical treatment of distal humerus fractures is a well-recognized complication.AIM To report the risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgery for acute DHFs.METHODS We retrospectively identified 239 consecutive adult patients with acute DHFs who underwent surgery with ORIF,elbow hemiarthroplasty(EHA)or total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)between January 2011 and December 2019.In all cases,the ulnar nerve was released in situ without anterior transposition.We used our institutional database to review patients’medical records for demographics,fracture morphology,type of surgery and ulnar nerve affection immediately;records were reviewed after surgery and at 2 wk and 12 wk of routine clinical outpatient follow-up.Twenty-nine percent patients were excluded due to pre-or postoperative conditions.Final follow-up examination was a telephone interview in which ulnar nerve affection was reported according to the McGowen Classification Score.A total of 210 patients were eligible for interview,but 13 patients declined participation and 17 patients failed to respond.Thus,180 patients were included.RESULTS Mean age at surgery was 64 years(range 18-88 years);121(67.3%)patients were women;59(32.7%)were men.According to the AO/OTA classification system,we recorded 47 patients with type A3,55 patients with type B and 78 patients with type C fractures.According to the McGowen Classification Score,mild ulnar nerve affection was reported in nine patients;severe affection,in two.A total of 69 patients were treated with ORIF of whom three had mild temporary ulnar nerve affection and one had severe ulnar nerve affection.In all,111 patients were treated with arthroplasty(67 EHA,44 TEA)of whom seven had mild ulnar nerve affection and one had severe persistent ulnar nerve affection.No further treatment was provided.CONCLUSION The risk of ulnar nerve affection after surgical treatment for acute DHF is low when the ulnar nerve is released in situ without nerve transposition,independently of the treatment provided.

Screw Intramedullary Nailing for Fractures of the Humeral Shaft

The debate continues over the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. There are a variety of extramedullary as well as intramedullary implants. We aim to propose a technique of passing the screw intramedullary nails and achieve union with least trauma to the shoulder and the rotator cuff. The multiple elastic screw nails achieve the inherent stability based on the principle of “three point fixation”. We aim to propose that the screw intramedullary nail is an effective implant to facilitate uneventful fracture union, with rapid recovery, low morbidity and low learning curve capable of being replicated in any smaller operative set up.

Long-Term Clinical and Radiological Outcome in Primary Hemiarthroplasty for Comminuted Humeral Head Fractures in the Elderly: A 5 - 10 Years Follow-Up Prospective Study

Objective: In the constantly growing population of people beyond the age of 60 years, the incidence of complex comminuted humeral head fractures increases, thus increasing the need for prosthetic replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term results after primary hemiarthroplasty in patients older than 60 years. Methods: From 08/2010 to 12/2015 a prospective study of 54 patients (mean age 75 years) with complex humeral head fracture was performed at the University Hospital Rostock. 24 patients were available for follow-up after 5 - 10 years. Pain, the Karnofsky-index, and the range of motion were obtained as well as radiographs in two planes. The Constant-Murley score and the UCLA rating system were evaluated for functional assessment. Results: 15 patients were painfree. The Karnofsky index deteriorated from 94 preoperatively to 70. The Constant-Murley score of the operated extremity reached 47 points out of possible 100, the uninjured side scored 82 points. The age-specific Constant-Murley score showed more favorable results. The UCLA rating system values leveled up to 22 out of 35 points for the replaced shoulder and 33 points for the other arm. Radiologically, more than 50% of the implants were classified as non-centered and the acromio-humeral space diminished significantly. Conclusions: Primary hemiarthroplasty helps to restore a situation of little or no pain whereas functional and radiological outcome remains limited. Revision surgery or conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty was not indicated in any case supporting the clinical value of hemiarthroplasty.

The Radial Nerve Entrapment in Pediatric Extension-Type Supracondylar Humeral Fractures. About Two Cases Reports

Radial nerve injuries in displaced extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures in children are well known. Entrapment in fracture of radial nerve is uncommon and rarely evocated in literature. We report two similar cases in the mechanism of injury, the clinical findings and the treatment and propose therapeutic guidelines.

Assessment of stress degree and bone metabolism activity in patients with middle humeral shaft fractures after minimally invasive surgery MIPO and open surgery ORIF

Objective:To study the effects of MIPO and ORIF on stress degree and bone metabolism activity in patients with middle humeral shaft fractures.Methods: Patients with middle humeral shaft fractures who received surgical treatment in Mianyang Orthopedic Hospital between June 2010 and October 2015 were enrolled and randomly divided into MIPO group and ORIF group who were treated with minimally invasive plate oateosynthesis and open reduction internal fixation respectively. Before surgery as well as 1 d and 3 d after surgery, serum was collected to determine the contents of stress response molecules and bone metabolism markers.Results:1 d and 3 d after surgery, serum stress molecules PGE2, CRP, NE and E as well as bone resorption markers TRACP-5B,β-CTX, RANK and RANKL contents of both groups were higher than those before surgery while bone formation markers BGP, BALP, PINP and OPG contents were lower than those before surgery;serum stress molecules PGE2, CRP, NE and E as well as bone resorption markers TRACP-5B,β-CTX, RANK and RANKL contents of MIPO group were lower than those of ORFI group while bone formation markers BGP, BALP, PINP and OPG contents were higher than those of ORFI group.Conclusion: Compared with ORIF, MIPO for middle humeral shaft fractures can reduce stress response degree and improve bone metabolism.

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

Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus

AIM:To evaluate short-to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)in complex fractures of the distal humerus.METHODS:A consecutive series of 24 complex distal humerus fractures operated with TEA in the period2006-2012 was evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance score(MEPS),plain radiographs,complications and overall satisfaction.The indications for surgery were 1:AO type B3 or C3 or Sheffield type 3 fracture and age above 65 or 2:fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis.Mean follow-up time was 21 mo.RESULTS:Twenty patients were followed up.Four patients,of which 3 had died,were lost to follow up.According to the AO classification there were 17 C3,1B2 and 2 A2 fractures.Mean follow-up was 21 months(range 4-54).Mean MEPS was 94(range 65-100).Mean flexion was 114 degrees(range 80-140).According to MEPS there were 15 excellent,4 good and 1 fair result.Patient satisfaction:8 excellent,10 good,2 fair and 1poor.There were two revisions due to infection treated successfully with revision and three months of antibiotics.In two patients the locking split had loosened.One was referred to re-insertion and one chose yearly con-trols.Two patients had persistent dysaesthesia of their5th finger,but were able to discriminate between sharp and blunt.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests that TEA in complex fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients can result in acceptable short-to medium term outcome.

Risk Assessment of Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Proximal Humeral Fracture

In proximal humeral fracture except AO classification 11A1, fixations with a locking plate and nails are recommended. We performed mechanical tests to investigate whether retrograde intramedullary nailing has fixation stability comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nailing and locking plate which achieve clinically favorable outcomes. In retrograde intramedullary nailing, a nail entry point is made in the diaphysis, for which reduction of stiffness of the humerus is of concern. Thus, we investigated the influence of a nail entry point made in the diaphysis on humeral strength. Retrograde intramedullary nailing had fixation stability against bending and a force loaded in the rotation direction comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nail and locking plate. Displacement by the main external force loaded on the humerus, compressive load, was less than half in the bone fixed by retrograde intramedullary nailing compared with that in the bone fixed with a locking plate, showing favorable fixation stability. It was clarified that stiffness of the humerus against rotation and a load in the compression direction is not reduced by a nail entry point made by retrograde intramedullary nailing.

Fracture of the Humeral Palette in Adult Patient: Therapeutic and Evolutive Aspect at Gabriel Touré Hospital: About 35 Cases

Introduction: Fractures of the humeral pallet occur between the distal insertion of the anterior brachial muscle and the joint space of the elbow. It represents 2% of all elbow fractures. These lower humeral fractures present a therapeutic challenge to trauma. These fractures are in the majority of joint cases and can be accompanied by loss of substance, which makes their functional prognosis random despite the application of the main therapeutic principles: exact reduction with possible bone graft;stable osteosynthesis, usually allowing early rehabilitation. This work focused on identifying therapeutic aspects and assessing treatment outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with a fracture of the humeral palette from January 2015 to December 2019 at the Orthopaedic Trauma Department CHU Gabriel Touré Bamako. Results: We collected 35 cases of fractures of the humeral palette. The average age was 39.25 years with extremes of 22 and 74 years. The male gender predominated (71.4%) with a sex ratio of 2.5. Etiologies were dominated by falls with 19 cases (54.3%) and stroke with 13 cases (37.1%). The standard X-ray of the face and profile of the elbow was performed in all our patients. The most frequent types of anatomoradiology were supra condylar fractures type A in 16 cases (45.7%), supra and inter condylar fractures type C in 15 cases (42.9%);4 cases of uni condylar fractures type B (11.4%). Associated lesions were observed in 42.85%. Surgical treatment was performed in 80% of cases. Complications were dominated by elbow stiffness in 18 cases (51.42%), secondary displacement in 5 cases (14.28%), ossifications in 4 cases (11.42%). At an average decrease of 3.2 years our results were considered good in 45.7%. Conclusion: Fractures of the humeral palette are relatively common with associated lesions. The complexity of the fracture with associated lesions makes treatment difficult with unpredictable evolution.

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.

Treatment of Bilateral Proximal Humeral Fracture in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report

There are only a few reports about upper extremity fractures in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This is a case report of a PD patient with severe tremors who had proximal humeral fracture. We performed surgery for the left side and conservative treatment for the right side. The patient was a 73-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with PD 10 years prior to presentation. Open reduction internal fixation was conducted for the left proximal humeral fracture. 7 months after the left shoulder fracture, she fell resulting in a right proximal humeral fracture for which she underwent conservative treatment. Although bone union was obtained bilaterally, anterior subluxation occurred in the operated side 9 months postoperative. Screw remove was performed because perforation of the screw was observed in the humeral head and was causing pain. Currently, restriction in range of motion and subluxation may be seen on the side that received conservative treatment, although pain is absent and patient satisfaction is high. On the operated side, there is a marked restriction in range of motion, subluxation, and pain. Our experience revealed that conservative treatment was effective for proximal humeral fractures and that optimal bone union might be obtained even in patients with suboptimal PD control.

Using humeral nail for surgical reconstruction of femur in adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder caused by mutation of collagen which results in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including long bone fragility fractures and deformities. While the treatment for these fractures was recommended as using intramedullary fixation for minimizing stress concentration, the selection of the best implant in the adolescent OI patients for the surgical reconstruction of femur was still problematic, due to anatomy distortion and implant availability. We are reporting the surgical modification by using a humeral nail for femoral fixation in three adolescent OI patients with favorable outcomes.

机器学习预测肱骨近端骨折钢板内固定后继发性螺钉切出的风险

背景:继发性螺钉切出关节面是肱骨近端骨折锁定钢板内固定术后的主要并发症之一,切出的螺钉会磨损关节盂和引起肩峰撞击,影响肩关节功能。因此,准确的风险预测有积极的临床意义。目的:通过机器学习方法筛选肱骨近端骨折钢板内固定后继发性螺钉切出的风险因素,开发并验证风险预测模型,便于临床医生早期甄别并干预高风险患者。方法:收集2013年6月至2022年6月接受锁定钢板内固定治疗的214例肱骨近端骨折患者的临床资料作为训练组建立模型,将同一时间段另一医院收治的同类患者61例纳入外部验证组。按照患者术后是否出现继发性螺钉切出,分为螺钉切出组和螺钉维持组。训练组利用随机森林、支持向量机、逻辑回归3种机器学习算法构建预测模型;采用递归特征消除法、10折交叉验证重抽样作为变量的筛选方法,并将3种模型准确度最高时纳入变量的交集作为与螺钉切出高度相关的可靠风险变量。通过R语言软件构建动态预测模型,以网页计算器形式展示,并对模型进行内、外部验证。模型内部检验采用Bootstrap法重抽样1000次,使用受试者工作特征曲线下面积、校准曲线、临床决策曲线评价模型的区分度、校准能力及临床应用价值。通过Youden指数确定预测模型的最佳风险分界值,据此将外部验证组患者分为高、低风险组,根据模型风险预测能力的准确度来评价其稳定性和外延性。结果与结论:①机器学习算法筛选出继发性螺钉切出高度相关的4个风险变量,分别为肱骨近端内侧柱皮质支撑、三角肌结节指数、骨折类型及术后复位情况;②构建的风险预测模型表现出良好的区分度和准确度[曲线下面积=0.874,95%置信区间(0.827,0.922)],校准曲线显示模型预测风险和实际发生风险有较好的一致性;③临床决策曲线提示风险阈值概率在0.1-0.75范围内时,模型具有较好的临床适用性;④风险概率为26%是模型风险分层的最佳阈值,外部验证组利用模型风险分层预测螺钉切出的总正确率为84%;⑤结果说明该风险预测模型准确度和外延性较好,可为指导临床治疗提供依据。

儿童肱骨髁上骨折的内外侧和外侧固定比较:系统综述与荟萃分析

目的:肱骨髁上骨折是儿童肘部骨折中最常见的类型,对于移位的肱骨髁上骨折,闭合复位固定是首选的治疗方案,但是对于选择合适的技术仍存在分歧。因而,此次荟萃分析旨在评估单侧和双侧交叉钉固定对儿童肱骨髁上骨折的疗效,为临床治疗提供参考。方法:全面检索PubMed、Embase、Web of Science和the Cochrane Library建库以来至2023-01-06发表的相关随机对照试验,比较儿童肱骨髁上骨折内外侧交叉固定和单纯外侧固定两种术式的疗效差异,主要观察指标是影像学结果(Baumann角丢失、提携角丢失)、肘关节功能和常见并发症(医源性尺神经损伤、针道感染)。结果:①共纳入18项研究;②两组Baumann角丢失(P=0.47)、提携角丢失(P=0.47)情况相比无统计学差异;外侧固定组与内外侧交叉固定组关节功能恢复评分优秀的患儿比例分别为70.7%和74.9%,差异无显著性意义(P=0.12);两组在针道感染发生率上同样无统计学差异(P=0.9),但内外侧交叉固定组医源性尺神经损伤的风险更高(P=0.02);③然而,当采用小切口联合探查时,内外侧交叉固定组尺神经损伤的频率与外侧固定组相比无统计学差异(P=0.2);④在GartlandⅢ型亚组中,两组在关节功能恢复评分优秀率(P=0.13)、尺神经损伤(P=0.13)和针道感染(P=0.61)方面均无统计学差异。结论:荟萃分析结果显示,与外侧固定技术相比,内外侧交叉固定方法更容易造成前臂的医源性神经损伤,但同时也增加了结构的稳定性。不过,通过小切口方法联合内外侧交叉固定似乎可以降低患者神经损伤的风险。因此,儿童肱骨髁上骨折治疗采用小切口结合内外侧交叉固定可能是一种既保证结构稳定、又安全的固定方法。

Complications of the locking plate for displaced proximal humeral fractures

Background Although the locking plate has become popular for treating displaced proximal humeral fractures in recent years, the complications of this method are still underestimated. We tried to evaluate the factors that have an influence on the complications experienced after proximal humeral fractures fixed by locking plates and compare the results from patients having complications with those having no complications. Methods From September 2004 to September 2007, 92 out of 111 displaced proximal humeral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate were available for follow-up, with an average time of 15.2 months （12-36 months）. The range of motion, Visual Analog Score （VAS） for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons＇ Form （ASES）, Constant-Murley, University of California-Los Angles scoring system （UCLA） score, and Simple Shoulder Test （SST） for function evaluation was all recorded at the latest follow-up. The results from patients with complications were evaluated according to the indices listed above and compared with those patients without any complications. Results There were 17 patients with complications, an 18.5% complication rate. Among them, the forward flexion, external rotation and internal rotation were 139.1°±24.3°, 24.1°±19.6°, and up to T10 level on average. The mean VAS score was 1.0±1.1, the ASES score was 82.9±13.8, the Constant 82.1±11.8, the UCLA 28.5±4.1 and the mean SST 9.5 on average. There was no significant difference of complication rate among different age, sex, and injured side, fresh or delayed fracture, combined with other injury or not groups. Compared with the group without complications, patients with complications showed significantly less external rotation and lower Constant-Murley and UCLA functional scores （P 〈0.05）. A significant difference in results was seen between patients with complications and those without complications. Conclusion The indication control and appropriate surgical technique were important while performing the locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures.

Unilateral external fixator in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the effect of unilateral external fixators in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures.Methods: From October 1997 to October 2003, 33 patients aged 15 -70 years (average 31 years) with lower third humeral shaft fractures were treated with unilateral external fixators. There were 9 spiral fractures (type A1), 1 oblique fracture (type A2), 3 transverses fractures (type A3) and 20 comminuted fractures (11 type B1, 9 type B2) according to AO classification. Fifteen cases were treated with open reduction and limited internal fixation and fixation with external fixators, 10 cases treated with open reduction and fixation with external fixators, and 8 cases treated with closed reduction and fixation with external fixators. Nerve exploration was undertaken in 9 cases with preoperative radial nerve injury. External fixators were removed after bone healing. The average follow-up was 18 months with a range from 8 to 24 months. Results: The time of bone healing ranged 11-22 weeks (average 14 weeks). The latest follow-up showed the functions of 9 cases of preoperative radial nerve injury and of 2 cases postoperative radial nerve injury and the function of elbow were recovered to normal. There were only 7 cases of superficial infection at pin hole, which was subsided by using oral antibiotics and pin-hole care with mild disinfectants.Conclusions: Fixation with unilateral external fixators combined with open reduction and limited internal fixation has a good effect in the treatment of lower third humeral shaft fractures.