Osteoporotische Frakturen am proximalen Humerus

Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life after Modular Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Comparison with Joint-Preserving Locking Plate Osteosynthesis in Aged Patients: A Retrospective Comparison Study

OBJECTIVES

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) show a high incidence in aged patients. While nondisplaced fractures achieve good results by conservative treatment, surgical procedures are discussed controversially. Next to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), the primary use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become increasingly important. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical function, activities of daily living (ADL), as well as pain assessment in patients with PHFs, treated by ORIF or RSA.

METHODS

A retrospective comparison study was assessed. From November 2011 to March 2016, 34 patients (17 matched pairs) that had undergone either ORIF or RSA of the proximal humerus, were included in this study. Pain was measured by numeric rating scale (NRS). ADL were obtained by Katz-Index and SF-12. Moreover, shoulder function was assessed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). The maximum range of motion (ROM) was also recorded. From November 2011 to March 2016, 34 patients (17 matched pairs) that had undergone either ORIF (Figure or RSA of the proximal humerus) were included in this study. For statistical analyses, Student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Chi-Quadrat test were used. Statistical significance was indicated with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Totally 34 patients with an average age of 76.6 years were included. Surgical treatment was performed on average 5.2 days after diagnosis, differing significantly between the two groups (RSA/ORIF: 6.9/3.5 days) The operation time of RSA (97 min) was significantly longer than for ORIF (78 min). Pain assessment, as well as the Katz-Index and the SF-12, showed no significant differences. Moreover, clinical shoulder function showed no significant discrepancies between the two surgical techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Aged patients with PHFs treated with RSA display similar results regarding clinical function, ADL as well as pain perception compared with ORIF. However, revision surgery rate was lower in patients who underwent RSA. Thus, the surgical treatment of PHFs by RSA represents an excellent alternative, especially with regard to an aging patient population.

Combined Humeral Head and Shaft Fractures: Outcome Following Intramedullary Nailing and Plating

Background and Objectives: Combined fractures of the humeral head and shaft (FHS) are rare but frequently involve an intermuscular fracture as its characteristic pattern. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate intramedullary nailed and plated FHS in terms of outcomes and complications. Materials and Methods: The present study included patients with FHS, treated via either intramedullary nailing or plating within a period of 10 years, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Functional outcome was assessed using the age- and sex-adapted Constant-Murley Score (CMS-K). Rates of complications and revision surgeries were registered. Results: Twenty-five patients (18 females, 7 males, age 60.1 ± 14.2 years, range 23-76 years) were included in the study. Nailing was performed in 16 patients (12 females, 4 males, age 62.6 ± 12.4 years), whereas plating was executed in nine patients (6 females, 3 males, age 55.8 ± 17.0 years). Follow-up among all patients was 45.1 ± 26.3 months (range 12-97 months). CMS-K was 70.3 ± 32.3 in the nailing group, with reoperation in four cases, and 76.0 ± 31.0 in the plating group, with one reoperation (p = 0.42). Patients with no metaphyseal fragment displacement (n = 19; CMS-K 76.7 ± 17.3) demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes versus those with secondary displacement of the metaphyseal fragments (n = 6; CMS-K 60.0 ± 17.1), p = 0.046. Conclusions: Comparable acceptable clinical outcome is obtained when comparing nailing with additional open cerclage or lag-screw fixation techniques versus plating with open reduction. However, a higher revision rate was observed after nailing. The correct metaphyseal fragment fixation seems to be crucial to avoid loss of reduction and hence the need for revision surgery, as well as a worse outcome.

Outcomes and revision rates of primary vs. secondary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures

Background

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a standard treatment for proximal humeral fractures (PHF) and its sequelae. In this study we analyzed the clinical outcomes of primary vs. secondary RSA for displaced PHF in elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 68 cases of primary or secondary RSA for displaced PHF. For 51 patients (28 primary RSA, 23 secondary RSA), a minimum 12-month follow-up with clinical and radiological assessment was available. Clinical assessment comprised joint active range of motion, DASH, Constant–Murley Score (CMS), Subjective Shoulder Value, and Visual Analog Scale for pain. Outcomes and complications of patients with primary RSA were compared with those of patients with secondary RSA.

Results

Follow-up data were available for 45 women and six men with a mean age of 73 years (range, 59–87) at the time of implantation. In 28 cases, primary RSA was performed; in 23 cases, RSA was performed as a revision procedure for fracture sequelae after failed plating, nailing, or hemiarthroplasty. The mean age- and gender-related CMS was 82.2 ± 34.2% (raw mean CMS: 46.8 ± 19.6 points). Among nine of the 51 patients with follow-up data (17.6%), ten complications occurred with six surgical revisions. Primary RSA (n = 28) resulted in better clinical shoulder function compared with secondary RSA (n = 23). Significantly more complications and revision surgeries were observed following secondary than primary RSA (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

In this study, primary RSA for displaced PHF in the elderly was associated with better clinical function and lower complication and revision rates than secondary RSA. Predictive parameters for failure of humeral head-preserving fracture fixation and anatomic hemiarthroplasty should be carefully evaluated. Primary RSA should be considered when surgical treatment of PHF is indicated in elderly patients.

Proximal Humerus Fractures: Evaluation and Management in the Elderly Patient

Introduction:

Proximal humerus fractures are common in the elderly. The evaluation and management of these injuries is often controversial. The purpose of this study is to review recent evidence and provide updated recommendations for treating proximal humerus fractures in the elderly.

Methods:

A literature review of peer-reviewed publications related to the evaluation and management of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly was performed. There was a focus on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews published within the last 5 years.

Results:

The incidence of proximal humerus fractures is increasing. It is a common osteoporotic fracture. Bone density is a predictor of reduction quality and can be readily assessed with anteroposterior views of the shoulder. Social independence is a predictor of outcome, whereas age is not. Many fractures are minimally displaced and respond acceptably to nonoperative management. Displaced and severe fractures are most frequently treated operatively with intramedullary nails, locking plates, percutaneous techniques, or arthroplasty.

Discussion:

Evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews is insufficient to recommend a treatment; however, most techniques have acceptable or good outcomes. Evaluation should include an assessment of the patient’s bone quality, social independence, and surgical risk factors. With internal fixation, special attention should be paid to medial comminution, varus angulation, and restoration of the calcar. With arthroplasty, attention should be paid to anatomic restoration of the tuberosities and proper placement of the prosthesis.

Conclusion:

A majority of minimally displaced fractures can be treated conservatively with early physical therapy. Treatment for displaced fractures should consider the patient’s level of independence, bone quality, and surgical risk factors. Fixation with percutaneous techniques, intramedullary nails, locking plates, and arthroplasty are all acceptable treatment options. There is no clear evidence-based treatment of choice, and the surgeon should consider their comfort level with various procedures during the decision-making process.

Influence of plate material and screw design on stiffness and ultimate load of locked plating in osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures

INTRODUCTION

The main purpose was to compare the biomechanical properties of a carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) composite locking plate with pre-existing data of a titanium-alloy plate when used for fixation of an unstable 2-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. The secondary purpose was to compare the mechanical behaviour of locking bolts and conventional locking cancellous screws.

METHODS

7 pairs of fresh frozen human humeri were allocated to two equal groups. All specimens were fixed with the CF-PEEK plate. Cancellous screws (PEEK/screw) were compared to locking bolts (PEEK/bolt) for humeral head fixation. Stiffness, fracture gap deflection and ultimate load as well as load before screw perforation of the articular surface were assessed. Results were compared between groups and with pre-existing biomechanical data of a titanium-alloy plate.

RESULTS

The CF-PEEK plate featured significantly lower stiffness compared to the titanium-alloy plate (P<0.001). In ultimate load testing, 6 out of 14 CF-PEEK plates failed due to irreversible deformation and cracking. No significant difference was observed between results of groups PEEK/screw and PEEK/bolt (P>0.05).

DISCUSSION

The CF-PEEK plate has more elastic properties and significantly increases movement at the fracture site of an unstable proximal humeral fracture model compared to the commonly used titanium-alloy plate. The screw design however does neither affect the constructs primary mechanical behaviour in the constellation tested nor the load before screw perforation.

Lack of fifth anchoring point and violation of the insertion of the rotator cuff during antegrade humeral nailing: pitfalls in straight antegrade humeral nailing

Antegrade nailing of proximal humeral fractures using a straight nail can damage the bony insertion of the supraspinatus tendon and may lead to varus failure of the construct. In order to establish the ideal anatomical landmarks for insertion of the nail and their clinical relevance we analysed CT scans of bilateral proximal humeri in 200 patients (mean age 45.1 years (sd 19.6; 18 to 97) without humeral fractures. The entry point of the nail was defined by the point of intersection of the anteroposterior and lateral vertical axes with the cortex of the humeral head. The critical point was defined as the intersection of the sagittal axis with the medial limit of the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon on the greater tuberosity. The region of interest, i.e. the biggest entry hole that would not encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon, was calculated setting a 3 mm minimal distance from the critical point. This identified that 38.5% of the humeral heads were categorised as 'critical types', due to morphology in which the predicted offset of the entry point would encroach on the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon that may damage the tendon and reduce the stability of fixation. We therefore emphasise the need for 'fastidious' pre-operative planning to minimise this risk.

[Treatment of proximal humeral fractures in Germany: Influence of the level of hospital care and the frequency of treatment]

BACKGROUND

Various treatment options exist for displaced proximal humeral fractures. The impact of the level of hospital care and frequency of treatment on current treatment regimens in Germany was analyzed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 576 hospitals were included. The survey covered questions on frequency, diagnostics, classification, therapy, complications, and clinical scenarios.

RESULTS

In all, 48% of the hospitals returned the questionnaire: 73% treat more than 60% of the fractures surgically, mainly with angle-stable implants. The angle-stable plate is the treatment of choice for young patients, but older patients are treated using other treatment options. Problems and complications included malreduction, secondary displacement, screw perforation, avascular necrosis, and impingement. According to treatment indication, implant choice, and common complications, no significant differences between the level of hospital care and frequency of treatment were observed.

CONCLUSION

Independent of the level of hospital care and frequency of treatment, there is a trend for head-preserving angular-stable surgery with a homogenous level of treatment in Germany.