Modulare inverse Frakturendoprothese bei nichtrekonstruierbarer Humeruskopffraktur des alten Menschen

Great tuberosity fixation does not affect healing and clinical outcomes in RSA performed in proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients

PURPOSE

Aims of our study were to define whether the great tuberosity (GT) positioning fixation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) after proximal humeral fracture (PHF) could predict tuberosity healing and its impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We enrolled 59 patients treated with cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty after PHF in our institute between 2012 and 2018. The mean follow-up was 57 months (± 23.4). We divided patients into two groups according to GT positioning after fixation: Group 1 GT in contact and Group 2 GT detached at least 1 mm from humeral diaphysis. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were conducted at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall GT healing rate was 64.4%, (Group 1 70.7%-Group 2 50%). A statistically significant difference (P = 0.047) was found in cortical thickness narrowing at one-third of stem length. We found a correlation between lateral cortical narrowing and GT fixation in non-anatomical position, but we observed no statistically significant differences about GT healing according to GT anatomical or non-anatomical fixation. No differences were found in shoulder function in patients whose tuberosity was healed or failed to heal.

CONCLUSION

GT reduction is not a predictive factor for GT healing; external stress shielding, instead, seems to be decreased in patients with postoperative anatomically reduced GT. In our study, GT healing did not affect clinical outcomes or patient's satisfaction in elderly low-demanding patients.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Acute Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: Does Tuberosity Healing Improve Clinical Outcomes?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures and assess the role of tuberosity healing on the outcome.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Multicenter clinical study of Level-2 trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

We included 81 patients with a mean age of 78.5 ± 6.5 years (range, 58.5-90.9 years) and a nonreconstructable proximal humeral fracture.

INTERVENTION

Modular reverse fracture shoulder arthroplasty.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

We determined range of motion, constant score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score as clinical outcomes and evaluated tuberosity healing at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years.

RESULTS

Tuberosities healed in most patients; 37 patients had completely healed tuberosities, and 33 patients had partially healed tuberosities, whereas 11 patients had unhealed tuberosities. However, no significant differences were found in the functional outcomes among the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results with a modular reverse prosthesis confirmed similar constant scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Scores, and tuberosity healing rates as reported in the current clinical evidence for RSA. We could not confirm that tuberosity healing improved functional outcomes; however, it should be noted that tuberosity healing was assessed using standard radiographs. Nevertheless, our study strengthens the consensus that RSA can be recommended for well-selected elderly patients with complex displaced proximal humeral fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Critical Review on Prosthetic Features Available for Reversed Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Reversed total shoulder arthroplasty is a popular treatment in rotator cuff arthropathy and in displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly. In 2016, 29 models of commercially available designs express this popularity. This study describes all the different design parameters available on the market. Prosthetic differences are found for the baseplate, glenosphere, polyethylene, and humeral component and these differences need to be weighed out carefully for each patient knowing that a gain in one mechanical parameter can balance the loss of another. Patient specific implants may help in the future.

Shoulder arthroplasty in Germany: 2005-2012

INTRODUCTION

The field of shoulder endoprothetics has undergone a rapid development in the last years. The purpose of the study was to provide an overview of the development of shoulder arthroplasties in Germany from 2005 until 2012. This study hypothesized that the surgical procedures of the shoulder joint is still increasing and have not reached a plateau until 2012.

METHODS

Data of the German federal statistical office from 2005 until 2012 were analyzed to quantify hemiarthroplasty, anatomic total shoulder and reversed total shoulder arthroplasty rates depending on age, gender and main coded indications. Procedure codes and diagnosis were analyzed for each year. Comparative analyses were used to visualize the difference between the types of shoulder endoprostheses.

RESULTS

A total number of 139.272 shoulder arthroplasties were performed between 2005 and 2012. Total should arthroplasties have increased continuously until 2009. In 2009 more total shoulder arthroplasties have been performed than hemiprothesis implantations, which have culminated in 2008. All in all, women have been treated 3-fold higher than men regarding hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasties or reversed total shoulder arthroplasties. Under the age of 60 years the majority of treated patients were male.

CONCLUSION

Since 2005 shoulder arthroplasties are still increasing in Germany, whereas a slight reduction could be detected for shoulder hemiarthroplasty from 2009 up until 2012. Meanwhile total shoulder arthroplasties and reversed total shoulder arthroplasties are still increasing. Women have experienced a 3-fold higher hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder and reversed shoulder arthroplasties than men except for individual younger than 60 years.

The bicipital groove as a landmark for reconstruction of complex proximal humeral fractures with hybrid double plate osteosynthesis

Background

Complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution remain challenging regarding reduction and stability. In most fracture patterns the hard bone of the bicipital groove remains intact. In this case series, we describe a novel technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution.

Methods

In randomly chosen shoulder specimens and synthetic bones, pilot studies for evaluation of the feasibility of the technique were performed. Between 4/2010 and 1/2012 10 patients underwent hybrid double plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age was 50 years (range 27–73)) were available for retrospective analysis. Based on plain radiographs (anterior-posterior and axial view), the fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (OTA) and by descriptive means (head-split variant (HS), diaphyseal extension or comminution (DE)).

Results

Follow-up radiographs demonstrated complete fracture healing in six patients and one incomplete avascular necrosis. None of the patients sustained loss of reduction. Three patients where reoperated. The medium, not adapted, Constant score was 80 Points (58–94). Patients subjective satisfaction was graded mean 3 (range: 0–6) in the visual analog scoring system (VAS).

Conclusion

The technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis using the bicipital groove as anatomic landmark may re-establish shoulder function after complex proximal humerus fractures in two dimensions. Firstly the anatomy is restored due to a proper reduction based on intraoperative landmarks. Secondly additional support by the second plate may provide a higher stability in complex fractures with metaphyseal comminution.