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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures using PHILOS plate

Objective：To evaluate functional outcome and complications of open reduction and internal fixation with proximal humeral internal locking system （PHILOS） plate for proximal humerus fractures.Methods：We reviewed 51 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with PHILOS plate between the years 2007 to 2012.There were 35 men and 16 women with a mean age of 38 years （range 24-68）.There were 41 patients in the age group of ＜60 years and 10 patients in the age group of ＞60 years.According to Neer classification system,8,15 and 23 patients had 2-part,3-part,and 4-part fractures,respectively and 5 patients had 4-part fracture dislocation.All surgeries were carried out at our tertiary care trauma centre.Functional evaluation of the shoulder at final follow-up was done using Constant-Murley score.Results：The mean follow-up period was 30 months （range 12-44 months）.Two patients were lost to followup.Of the remaining 49 patients,all fractures were united clinically and radiologically.The mean time for radiological union was 12 weeks （range 8-20 weeks）.At the final follow-up the mean Constant-Murley score was 79 （range 50-100）.The results were excellent in 25 patients,good in 13 patients,fair in 6 patients and poor in 5 patients.During the follow-up,four cases of varus malunion,one case of subacromial impingement,one case of deep infection,one case of intraarticular screw penetration and one case of failure of fixation were noted.No cases of avascular necrosis,hardware failure,locking screw loosening or nonunion were noted.Conclusion：PHILOS provides stable fixation in proximal humerus fractures.To prevent potential complications like avascular necrosis,meticulous surgical dissection to preserve vascularity of humeral head is necessary.

Proximal humerus reconstruction in orthopedic oncology

Proximal humeral reconstructive options following radical resection of proximal humeral primary and metastatic bone malignancies have evolved over time.With the relatively recent advent of the reverse total shoulder(RTSA),this technique has been increasingly employed in this setting over hemiarthroplasty techniques.An array of options,including proximal humeral allograft-prosthetic composites(including both RTSA and hemiarthroplasty),megaprostheses,and osteoarticular allografts,is reviewed from the perspective of their indications,techniques,complications,and published results.An extensive case-based pictorial presentation illustrates these options.

Expanding the horizons of clinical applications of proximal humerus locking plates in the lower extremities:A technical note

Pre-contoured anatomical locking plates were designed to address the clinical need of fixing small epiphyseal segments with a larger number of screws.Those plates match the contour and shape of a variety of bones allowing for optimal buttress properties.The aim of this manuscript is to highlight the benefits of applying proximal humerus locking plates in the fixation of lower extremity bones.Although designed for the proximal humerus,the low-profile plate shape and anatomic contour also provides versatile use in certain areas of the lower extremity.This technical narrative highlights the versatile and reliable use of this plate for other anatomical areas than the one to which it has been originally conceived.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Computer-assisted preoperative planning for proximal humeral fractures by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis

Background Accurate and precise preoperative planning can provide information instrumental for performing less invasive articular fracture surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine that computer-assisted preoperative planning （CAPP） has the potential to improve efficiency and time in the operating room. Methods Sixty-four patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated using locking plates by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis （MIPO） with CAPP. The time needed for virtual segmentation, reduction, and fixation of the fracture fragments were recorded. Intra and interobserver reliabilities were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The clinical function was analyzed using Constant Score and radiology. Results The mean total time required for CAPP of two-part, three-part, and four-part proximal humeral fractures were （13.63±1.38） minutes, （23.14±2.18） minutes, and （39.61±3.01） minutes, respectively. The intra and interobserver reliabilities for all variables were high, ranging from 0.785 to 0.992. The mean operation time was （50.1±6.7） minutes. Fifty- two patients were followed up with an average time of 34.2 months. The mean Constant Score of the injury side was （82.5 ± 9.9）. Three of the fifty-two patients had four complications. Conclusion The application of CAPP was efficient and reliable, and provided excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures by MIPO.