Simple bone cysts of the proximal humerus presented with limb length discrepancy:A case report

BACKGROUND Simple bone cysts(SBC)are benign tumor-like bone lesions typically identified in children.While SBC may lead to growth disturbances or growth arrest,such cases are uncommon.The mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear.Additionally,research on the etiology of SBC remains inconclusive,and there has been no consensus on the appropriate timing and methodology for treatment.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present our experience in the successful surgical management of a 10-year-old girl with SBC,who presented with a pathological fracture complicated by malunion of the displaced fracture,varus deformity,and limb length discrepancy.We hypothesized two possible etiologies for the patient’s growth arrest and subsequent humerus varus deformity:(1)Direct disruption of the physis by fluid from the cyst itself;and(2)damage to the epiphysis due to repetitive pathological fractures associated with SBC.In addressing this case,surgical intervention was undertaken to correct the proximal humerus varus deformity.This approach offered the advantages of simultaneously correcting angular abnormalities,achieving mild limb lengthening,providing definitive SBC treatment,and reducing the overall treatment duration.CONCLUSION As per current literature,acute correction of acute angular deformity in proximal humeral SBC is not well comprehended.However,in this specific case,acute correction was considered an optimal solution.

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.

Coronal shear fractures of distal humerus: Diagnostic and treatment protocols

Coronal shear fractures of distal humerus involving the capitellum and the trochlea are rare injuries with articular complexity, and are technically challenging for management. With better understanding of the anatomy and imaging advancements, the complex nature of these fractures is well appreciated now. These fractures involve metaphysealcomminution of lateral column and associated intraarticular injuries are common. Previously, closed reduction and excision were the accepted treatment but now preference is for open reduction and internal fixation with an aim to provide stable and congruent joint with early range of motion of joint. Various approaches including extensile lateral, anterolateral and posterior approaches have been described depending on the fracture pattern and complexity. Good to excellent outcome have been reported with internal fixations and poor results are noted in articular comminution with associated articular injuries. Various implants including headleass compression screws, minifragment screws, bioabsorbable implants and column plating are advocated for reconstruction of these complex fractures. Inspite of articular fragments being free of soft tissue attachments the rate of osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis is reported very less after internal fixation. This article summarizes the diagnostic and treatment strategies for these rare fractures and recommendations for management.

Management of proximal humerus fractures in adults

The majority of proximal humerus fractures are lowenergy osteoporotic injuries in the elderly and their incidence is increasing in the light of an ageing population. The diversity of fracture patterns encountered renders objective classification of prognostic value challenging. Non-operative management has been associated with good functional outcomes in stable, minimally displaced and certain types of displaced fractures.Absolute indications for surgery are infrequent and comprise compound, pathological, multi-fragmentary head-splitting fractures and fracture dislocations, as well as those associated with neurovascular injury. A constantly expanding range of reconstructive and replacement options however has been extending the indications for surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures. As a result, management decisions are becoming increasingly complicated, in an attempt to provide the best possible treatment for each indi-vidual patient, that will successfully address their specific fracture configuration, comorbidities and functional expectations. Our aim was to review the management options available for the full range of proximal humerus fractures in adults, along with their specific advantages, disadvantages and outcomes.

Clinical significance of three dimensional finite element analysis on humerus fracture

Objective: To treat humerus fracture with three dimensional pattern and finite element analysis, providing mechanical basis for treating humerus fracture. Methods: Humerus pattern was established based on the CT images, and calculation was done by ANSYS5. 6 software. Three dimensional ten-node tetrahedron unit was selected and were divided into 2 729 nodes, 49 041 units. Distribution and amount of axial compression of humerus were analyzed when clip angle was 30°, 45°, 90° between fracture face and axial line with fixed X, Y, Z directions. Results: The distribution of stress was greatly different between fracture face and non fracture face. Stress in fracture part was fairly concentrated with incomplete symmetric distribution around the center of fracture face; Greater stress distributed in the regions 10 mm from fracture face, which was 2-3 times that of other stress regions. Conclusion: Required load must be estimated under various conditions as to select the suitable internal fixation implants during the treatment of humerus fracture, which can provide helpful stress environment for fracture healing.

Embolization of an unusual metastatic site of hepatocellular carcinoma in the humerus

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is the fish most common cancer in the world. This case documents an unusual metastatic presentation of HCC in the humerus. Preoperative palliative arterial embolization of the tumor was performed to arrest severe tumor bleeding caused by the biopsy. Embolization turned out to be useful also in limiting/preventing potential uncontrolled bleeding during subsequent amputation.

Endosteal Fibular Strut Graft with Proximal Humeral Locking Plate in Delayed and Neglected Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define a treatment protocol in which a non-vascularized endosteal fibular strut graft, a corticocancellous grafts and a locking plate construct are used for stabilization of the delayed and neglected proximal humerus fractures and to report its outcome. Patients & Methods: Eleven patients (6 females and 5 males) with delayed, neglected proximal humerus fractures were included in this study, conducted between March 2015 and December 2019. Average age of the patients was 57 years (range: 41 to 67 yrs). All patients were treated with the debridement, decortication and shingling of the bone at the site of the fracture followed by using an endosteal fibular strut graft, corticocancellous bone grafts and stabilization with locking plate. The patients were followed up for a mean time of 16.3 months (range: 13 to 40 months). The patient outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and the modified scoring system of Constant and Murley. Results: Union at the fracture site was achieved in all patients at a mean of 8.5 months (range: 6 to 11 months). The DASH score improved from an average pre-operative score of 71.1 (range: 64 to 78) to an average post-operative score of 25.2 (range: 21 to 35) at the final follow-up. Albeit with a small sample size of n = 11, this difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The CM score improved from an average pre-operative score of 33.2 (range: 20 to 48) to an average post-operative score of 66.8 (range: 59 to 72) at the final follow-up. This difference was also found to be statistically significant in this patient cohort (p < 0.05). The results were excellent in 3 patients, good in 6 and moderate in 2. Conclusions: An endosteal fibular strut, subperiosteally placed cortico-cancellous grafts with a locking plate fixation helps in biological healing of neglected fractures of proximal humerus.

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.

Two-level reconstruction of isolated fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus

Fractures of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus are typically met in combination with other injuries of the shoulder. Case reports of isolated lesser tuberosity fractures are particularly rare and, consequently,therapeutic protocols have not yet been completely clarified. Conservative as well as surgical treatment has been recommended, while several operative techniques have been applied. We present a case of a 39-yearold man with an isolated lesser tuberosity fracture who was treated surgically in our institution. Due to fracture comminution, a two-level reconstruction technique with headless screws and buttress plate was applied. As far as we know, this method of fixation of this type of fracture has not been previously described in the literature.The patient tolerated the procedure well and excellent results were obtained at the latest follow-up.

The Posteroanterior Locking for the Distal Humerus Nailing. Is It a Viable Option?

The distal interlocking is regarded as an inherent part of the antegrade humeral nailing technique. Traditionally the distal locking of intramedullary humeral nails is achieved using a freehand technique. The humerus nailing locking options in the conventional nailing systems are placed in the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial directions. It exposes both the patient and surgeon to radiation, is time consuming, and has a potential risk of damaging neurovascular structures, especially the radial and lateral cutaneous nerve when the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial locking constructs are used. We aim to present a technical tip to ease the distal locking procedure and avoid the possible neurovascular complications with the existing nailing systems.

Reduction of postoperative bleeding following operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures using a collagen sponge

Aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of TachoSil? to reduce afterbleeding and hematoma following operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures. In a prospective randomized study we included a consecutive series of 40 patients with a proximal humeral fracture in this study. All fractures were stabilized surgically with a fixed-angle “Philos plate” from May 2008 through May 2009. All patients were divided in two groups: Group I with plate osteosynthesis without TachoSil, Group II with plate osteosynthesis with TachoSil. For statistical analysis Chi2- Test and U- Test were used. There were 4 perioperative complica- tions in group II and one complication in group I (Chi2-Test: p=0.233). In group II one hardware failure occurred due to osteoporosis requiring revision and reosteosynthesis. Another patient suffered from paralysis of the radial nerve which healed uneventfully. One superficial postopera-tive infection and one superficial hematoma re-quired revision surgery, too. In this group no subfascial hematoma developed. One subfascial hematoma which required no revision occurred in group I. Blood transfusion was required 2 times in group I and 3 times in group II (Chi2-Test: p = 0.549). In sum in group II there was a sig-nificant lower blood loss for the subfascial drain, the region where TachoSil was applied. No ad-verse affects related to TachoSil could be de-tected. TachoSil was found to be safe and effective for reduction of postoperative bleeding following operative treatment of proximal hume-rus fractures. Further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm the efficacy of TachoSil? in orthopedic surgery.

Shoulder Reconstruction with Massive Scapular-Proximal Humerus Osteoarticular Allograft after Total Scapulectomy for Proximal Humerus Osteosarcoma Recurrence

Bone tumors are infrequent within the scapula. Total scapulectomy with massive allograft reconstruction represents an attractive alternative to amputation when the whole scapula is invaded with tumor and the neurovascular bundle can be preserved during tumor resection. We report a case of resection of the scapula and proximal humerus for recurrent osteosarcoma with massive allograft reconstruction of the scapula and proximal humerus. A 22-year-old male patient was seen in February 1992 for a pathological fracture of the proximal left humerus. In July 1992, a resection of the proximal end of the humerus followed by a reconstruction with osteochondral allograft and nail osteosynthesis was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In September 2009, 17 years later, the patient presented with a huge tumor developed at the level of the scapula. There was no vascular or neurological symptom. Plain radiography showed an expansive osteolytic mass. CT scan demonstrated scapular and proximal humerus invasion. An extended assessment revealed the presence of two pulmonary nodules. The biopsy confirmed the recurrence of osteosarcoma. The indication of a resection of both the left scapula and the 1992 allograft which was completely invaded at its proximal portion and the complete reconstruction of the scapula and the proximal humerus with allograft was made. One year postoperatively, we note a favourable outcome in terms of musculoskeletal functions. Despite two resection surgeries of pulmonary nodules and chemotherapy treatments, the patient developed new lung metastases and an unfavourable outcome. Although shoulder function was almost completely eliminated following surgery, preservation of elbow, wrist and finger motion resulted in an acceptable level of postoperative limb function. This reconstruction appears to be an attractive technique to be used in similar cases. The necessity of a reliable tissue bank with quality allografts in sufficient number is paramount.

Predictors of Nonunion in Humerus Shaft Fractures in Adults in Lomé(Togo)

Background: To identify predictors of humerus shaft fractures nonunion in adults whatever the type of treatment performed. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among patients who had a fracture of the humeral shaft moving towards healing or nonunion. Patients were treated in the orthopedic trauma unit of Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital and two other private clinics in Lomé between January 2008 and June 2012. On the X-ray of each patient, we measured the angulation, the diastasis, and inter fragmentary contact. For each included patient, we looked for: age, sex, medical history, body mass index (BMI), according to the third location of the shaft fracture, the type of fracture according to AO classification and the type of opening according Tscherne classification. Results: During the study period, 184 patients with humeral shaft fracture were identified. Of these 108 were men. The mean age of patients was 37.3 years. The fractures were treated conservatively in 100 patients (54.3%), 78 treated surgically and six (3.3%) have discharged from hospital against medical advice for traditional treatment. The factors that were associated with nonunion of humerus shaft fractures in these patients were: the opening of the fracture (RR = 4.5;95% CI = [2.9;7.1]), the presence of immediately radial paralysis (RR = 5.6;95% CI = [3.7;8.5]), the existence of other associated lesions or fracture (RR = 1.8;95% CI = [1.1;3.1]), energy of the trauma (RR = 2.3;95% CI = [1.3;4.4]) and type III classification of Tscherne (RR = 0.3;95% CI = [0.2;0.6]). After multivariate analysis, factors that remained significantly associated with the failure of consolidation were: the existence of diastasis > 2 mm (OR = 7.6;95% CI = [2.2;25.6)), the Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25 (OR = 1.3;95% CI = [1.1 - 1.6]) and the existence of other bone lesion (OR = 4.3;95% CI = [1.4 - 18.9]). Conclusion: BMI greater than 25, the existence of an interfragmentary gap of more than 2 mm and existence of other bone lesions are significant risk factors for nonunion in humerus shaft fractures. The traditional treatment, common singular factor to the African environment, should not be ignored. Control of these predictors is necessary in carrying out the treatment of humerus shaft fractures.

Successful Treatment with a Weekly Injection of Teriparatide for the Nonunion of a Distal Humerus Fracture

A distal humerus fracture nonunion is one of the complications with which we should be vigilant. It requires an open reduction and rigid internal fixation. However, treatment with an operative procedure is difficult because the small bones involved in distal humerus fracture nonunion or if osteoporosis is present. And an improvement in the function of the elbow joint is not satisfied because of a postoperative elbow joint contracture. Furthermore, the risk of anesthesia to elderly patients restricts the use of an operation for treatment. A weekly injection of teriparatide has the ability to stimulate bone formation. We present a case of an 87-year-old woman treated with a weekly injection of teriparatide for the nonunion of a distal humerus fracture.

Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Are Medial Pins Indicated?

Background: Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Operative management includes closed reduction and placement of 2 to 3 laterally based pins. Occasionally, a medial pin is used to create a crossed fixation pattern, despite risk of nearly 10% iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The objective of this study was to assess the trends and outcomes in the operative management of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures at a level one academic trauma center. Materials & Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all children sustaining a Gartland type II or III supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed or open reduction and percutaneous pinning in 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 at a level one academic trauma center by two of the authors (JTR, LMT). Pin placement patterns were evaluated and compared based on year performed. Outcomes measured were rates of ulnar nerve symptoms, non-union, re-operation, and varus malalignment. Data analysis was performed using a Fisher exact test on STATA software. Results: A total of 49 patients met inclusion criteria. Of 22 patients treated in 2006-2008, 5 (23%) were type II and 17 (77%) were type III. From 2009-2011, 16 (59%) were type II and 11 (41%) were type III. Comparison of pinning pattern in type II fractures between 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 did not indicate statistical significance (p = 0.429). Comparison of pinning pattern in type III fractures during the same time period did show that there was a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.010) in the number of cross pin fixations. There were no ulnar nerve injuries, non-unions, re-operations, or varus malalignment in any patient on final follow-up. Conclusion: This study shows that there has been a significant decrease in cross pin fixation for pediatric type III supracondylar humerus fractures with equivalent clinical outcomes at a Level I trauma center. Furthermore, performing lateral pinning for type III fractures has eliminated the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Level of Evidence: Level III—Retrospective cohort study.

Humerus Nailing in Lateral Position (Operative Technique)

With the advent of good designs of nails, straight and angled in the arena of treatment for fractures from surgical neck of humerus to approximately 5 cm above the olecranon fossa, nailing is gaining popularity in recent literature. Many different nails are available in market with different proximal and distal locking configurations. Beach chair and supine are the main principle positions for antegrade humerus nailing. Beach chair or supine is the preferred position by many, but there is always difficulty in distal locking by free hand technique as it is difficult to locate the distal locking hole due to rounded smooth anatomy of anterior distal humerus and fear of neurovascular complications in both anteroposterior and latero-medial locking. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the utility of lateral position in ease of nailing all types of humerus fractures. The technique and illustrations below describe the positioning of patient, image intensifier and free hand postero-anterior distal locking without injury to neurovascular structures.

Solitary Bone Cyst of the Proximal Humerus with a Concomitant Stiff Shoulder Treated with both Arthroscopic Capsular Release and Arthroscope-Assisted Resection of the Bone Cyst: A Case Report

Solitary bone cysts are benign bone lesions that usually occur in the humerus, calcaneus, and femur of children and adolescents. When present in adults, they are usually diagnosed as incidental findings. In this report, we present an adult case of a solitary bone cyst of the proximal humerus with concomitant refractory stiff shoulder treated with both arthroscopic capsular release and arthroscope-assisted resection of the bone cyst. A 73-year-old woman was referred with a complaint of persistent left shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an approximately 4.5-cm long diameter cystic bone lesion from the humeral neck to the shaft. At first, arthroscopic synovectomy and pan-capsular release were performed. Next, two 1-cm skin incisions and 8-mm drill holes into the lateral wall of the cyst were created with fluoroscopic guidance. After insertion of the arthroscope through the holes, the white membranous cyst wall was resected with a shaver until bone marrow was observed. Finally, an 8-mm cannulated hydroxyapatite pin was inserted. This is a simple technique that allows direct visualization and complete resection of the cyst wall with two small incisions. Such a technique may be superior to conventional open procedures or those under image guidance.

Anteromedial Plating of Humerus—An Easier and Effective Approach

Plate osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures is an established surgical procedure. Iatrogenic radial nerve palsy appears to be common complication in treating these fractures. A case series of 20 fracture shafts of humerus were treated with anteromedial plating through anterolateral approach. There was no radial nerve palsy in any of the cases and all achieved fracture union.

A Humerus Arterial Bleeding Simulation Model for Hemostasia

In our daily life, accident would happen with arterial haemorrhage,and death would be brought out by continuous arterial bleeding for little time if emergency has not been implemented in time. This paper presents a humerus arterial bleeding simulation model (HABSM) for hemostasia,which has a high-fidelity, practical model for the humerus arterial hemostasia operation that is not only for the surgeons and nurses, but also for commons in urgent bleeding accident. The functional components of HABSM are arm model, fluid circulated pipeline and circuit controlling system. The arm model is made of elastic material as human muscle. Fluid circulated pipeline contains wiggly pump, inlet pipe and outlet pipe. And circuit controlling system has single chip micyoco system (SCM), keyboard, pressure sensor and vision circuit. SCM controls pump and valve to realize humerus arterial blood circulation. Both surgeons and commons thought well of HABSM which provided a task trainer for humerus arterial hemostasia.