Open reduction internal fixation vs non-operative management in proximal humerus fractures: a prospective, randomized controlled trial protocol

Assessment of therapeutic clinical trials for proximal humeral fractures

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are a common injury among the older population. An ideal therapeutic protocol has yet to be developed, and numerous clinical trials are being conducted to find the best therapeutic approach. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current body of knowledge available via interventional clinical trials. In December 2022, interventional clinical trials relating to PHFs on Clinicaltrials.gov were screened. Trial characteristics included duration, status, intervention, phase, outcomes, location, and study design. Publications associated with each trial were searched on PubMed/Medline using the ClinicalTrials.gov registry number. The final dataset comprised 64 trials. The most common trial status was completed (36%). The majority did not have a Food and Drug Administration-defined phase (67%), was randomized (81%), involved a single facility (72%), used a parallel assignment intervention model (80%), and used an open-label approach (45%). Eleven trials were associated with a publication, and the publication rate was 17%. Average enrollment was 86 participants, and mean trial duration was 51.4 months. Europe/UK/Russia/Turkey participated in the most trials (70%). Most of the trials were initiated after 2010 (87.5%). Procedure-related interventions (55%) were most common. Disability/function was the most common primary outcome assessed (61%). The low publication rate and the multitude of trials conducted after 2010 highlight the urgency and need for trial results to be published to establish an ideal therapeutic protocol. Since the majority of the trials involved a single institution and an open-label approach, reinforcing blinding and establishing multi-centered trials can improve the validity of the clinical trial results.

Inflammatory tissue response in human soft tissue is caused by a higher particle load near carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK compared to titanium plates

Titanium as the leading implant material in locked plating is challenged by polymers such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK), which became the focus of interest of researchers and manufacturers in recent years. However, data on human tissue response to these new implant materials are rare. Osteosynthesis plates and peri‑implant soft tissue samples of 16 healed proximal humerus fractures were examined (n = 8 CFR-PEEK, n = 8 titanium). Soft tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and µCT. The entrapped foreign bodies were further examined for their material composition by FTIR. To gain insight into their origin and formation mechanism, explanted and new plates were evaluated by SEM, EDX, profilometry and HR-CT. In the peri‑implant soft tissue of the CFR-PEEK plates, an inflammatory tissue reaction was detected. Tissues contained foreign bodies, which could be identified as tantalum wires, carbon fiber fragments and PEEK particles. Titanium particles were also found in the peri‑implant soft tissue of the titanium plates but showed a less intense surrounding tissue inflammation in immunohistochemistry. The surface of explanted CFR-PEEK plates was rougher and showed exposed and broken carbon fibers as well as protruding and deformed tantalum wires, especially in used screw holes, whereas scratches were identified on the titanium plate surfaces. Particles were present in the peri‑implant soft tissue neighboring both implant materials and could be clearly assigned to the plate material. Particles from both plate materials caused detectable tissue inflammation, with more inflammatory cells found in soft tissue over CFR-PEEK plates than over titanium plates. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Osteosynthesis plates are ubiquitously used in various medical specialties for the reconstruction of bone fractures and defects and are therefore indispensable for trauma surgeons, ENT specialists and many others. The leading implant material are metals such as titanium, but recently implants made of polymers such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) have become increasingly popular. However, little is known about human tissue reaction and particle generation related to these new implant types. To clarify this question, 16 osteosynthesis plates (n = 8 titanium and n = 8 CFR-PEEK) and the overlying soft tissue were analyzed regarding particle occurrence and tissue inflammation. Tissue inflammation is clinically relevant for the development of scar tissue, which is discussed to cause movement restrictions and thus contributes significantly to patient outcome.

Risk factors for osteonecrosis of the humeral head after internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of the humeral head (ONHH) is a severe complication after the internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures (IFPHF). The risk factors remain controversial though many studies have reported. In this research, meta-analysis was used to evaluate which surgeon-level factors can be modified to lower the risk and we hope to provide evidence-based support for preventing ONHH.

METHODS

Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus for eligible studies published up to January 2023. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate. STATA 15.1 software was applied for data synthesis, sensitivity synthesis, and publication bias.

RESULTS

45 articles were published between 2000 and 2022, and 2482 patients were finally included. All articles were observational research, with 7 case-control studies and 38 cohort studies, and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) score ranged from 7 to 9. The pooled results suggested that age (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.74, P = 0.01), reduction quality (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.44, P = 0.00), fracture type (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.78, P = 0.01), surgical approach (OR: 4.06, 95% CI 1.21-13.61, P = 0.02) and fixation implant (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.34-1.33, P = 0.02) were risk factors for ONHH after IFPHF. According to sensitivity analysis, Begg (P = 0.42) and Egger (P = 0.68) tests, the results were stable and exhibited no publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that age, reduction quality, fracture type, surgical approach and fixation implant were risk factors for ONHH after IFPHF, while gender, varus or valgus, timely operation, injured side, and the existence of medial support have little influence on ONHH, as they could not be considered risk factors and still need further investigations.

A nationwide analysis of geriatric proximal humerus fractures: trends, outcomes, and cost

Background

In the USA, proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Although most geriatric PHF are treated conservatively, surgical management remains an option. This retrospective study compares annual trends, patient outcomes, and hospital costs between operatively and non-operatively managed geriatric PHF.

Methods

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 2012 to 2015. Geriatric patients with PHF were identified and those who underwent operative or non-operative management were compared in trends, outcomes and costs.

Results

In total, 137 810 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 51 795 (37.6%) underwent operative management. The operative cohort was younger (76.6 vs 80.9, p<0.001) with a greater proportion of females (81.8% vs 77.6%, p<0.001). The operative cohort demonstrated less frailty and lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Scores (both p<0.001). The operative cohort was also more likely to be discharged home (30.4% vs 13.9%, p<0.001). There was no significant linear trend in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted proportions of operative versus non-operative geriatric PHF (p=0.071), but a positive linear trend was statistically significant for total cost of operative geriatric PHF (p<0.001). Multivariable analyses demonstrated similar overall complication rates between cohorts (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.00; p=0.06), although surgical intervention increased length of stay (LOS) by 0.15 days (95% CI 0.03 to 0.27; p<0.001) and median cost of hospitalization by US$10 684 (95% CI US$10 384 to US$10 984; p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study identifies a positive linear trend in total cost of operatively managed geriatric PHF from 2012 to 2015. Operative management of geriatric PHF is associated with a similar overall complication rate and greater likelihood of being discharged home. Although non-operative management is associated with decreased LOS and hospital expenses, providers should consider surgical PHF treatment options when available and appropriate in the context of patient-focused outcomes, particularly long-term disposition after intervention.

Level of Evidence

This level IV retrospective study identifies.

The effect of integrity of lesser tuberosity-medial calcar on postoperative outcome in the proximal humeral fracture

BACKGROUND

In proximal humeral fractures, the medial calcar is often considered an important stabilizing structure. When the medial calcar is disrupted, some patients may have accompanying humeral lesser tuberosity comminution that has not been noticed. To investigate the impacts of comminuted fragments of lesser tuberosity and calcar on postoperative stability, CT results, number of fragments, cortical integrity, and the variation of neck-shaft angle were compared in patients with proximal humeral fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 2016 to April 2021, this study included patients with senile proximal humeral fractures diagnosed by CT three-dimensional reconstruction with lesser tuberosity fractures and medial column injuries. The number of fragments in the lesser tuberosity and the continuity of medial calcar were evaluated. Postoperative stability and shoulder function were evaluated by comparing changes in neck-shaft angle and the DASH upper extremity function score from 1 week to 1 year after the operation.

RESULTS

A total of 131 patients were included in the study, and the results showed that the number of fragments of the lesser tuberosity was related to the integrity of the medial cortex of the humerus. That is, when there were more than two lesser tuberosity fragments, the integrity of humeral medial calcar was poor. The positive rate of the lift-off test was higher in patients with lesser tuberosity comminutions 1 year after surgery. In addition, patients with more than two lesser tuberosity fragments and continuous destruction of the medial calcar had large variations in the neck-shaft angle, high DASH scores, poor postoperative stability, and poor recovery of shoulder joint function 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The number of humeral lesser tuberosity fragments and the integrity of the medial calcar were associated with the collapse of the humeral head and the decrease in shoulder joint stability after the proximal humeral fracture surgery. When the number of lesser tuberosity fragments was greater than two and the medial calcar was damaged, the proximal humeral fracture had poor postoperative stability and poor functional recovery of the shoulder joint, which required auxiliary internal fixation treatment.

Investigation of the Clinical Effect of New Shoulder Joint Abduction Frame in Humeral Fracture Patients after Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Objective

This work is organized to analyze the clinical effects of new shoulder joint abduction frame on the bone metabolic markers, shoulder joint function, and visual analogue scale (VAS) of humeral fracture patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery.

Methods

118 patients with humeral fracture who planned to undergo shoulder surgery in our hospital from November 2018 to June 2021 were selected as the study objects and were divided into two groups according to the random number method, with 59 patients in each group. The patients in the two groups were subjected to arthroscopic shoulder surgery. New shoulder joint abduction frame was used for shoulder joint fixation in the abduction frame group, and sling was used for shoulder joint fixation in the sling group after surgery. The duration of fixation was 4-6 weeks. Finally, the prognostic indicators, complications, and serum bone metabolism levels in 4 and 6 weeks after surgery, shoulder joint function (Neer score), VAS score before surgery and after 3 and 6 months of surgery, and excellent or good rate of shoulder joint activity after 6 months of surgery were compared between the two groups.

Results

The postoperative fracture healing time and start time of shoulder joint training were shorter, and the humeral varus angle and femur height loss were smaller in the abduction frame group than in the sling group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of complications between the two groups (3.39% and 13.56%, respectively) (P > 0.05). After 4 or 6 weeks of surgery, the levels of serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) were increased but the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5B (TRAP-5B) were decreased in the two groups with more significant differences in the abduction frame group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, 2 cases were lost to follow-up in the abduction frame group and 3 cases in the sling group. Neer scores were increased, while VAS scores were decreased in the two groups in the third or sixth months after surgery with significant differences in the abduction frame group (P < 0.05). The excellent or good rate of shoulder joint activity was 94.74% (54/57) in the abduction frame group, significantly higher than that in the sling group (80.36%; 45/56) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The fixation effect of new shoulder joint abduction frame is significant after arthroscopic surgery, and patients can carry out functional training as early as possible, which is helpful to promote fracture healing, relieve pain, and restore shoulder joint function with high safety.

Determination of E-modulus of cancellous bone derived from human humeri and validation of plotted single trabeculae: Development of a standardized humerus bone model

Background

Evaluation of the mechanical behavior of the microstructure of cancellous bone seems important for the understanding of the mechanical behavior of bone. Prevention and treatment of fragility fractures due to osteoporosis is a major challenge according to ageing population. A bone model might help to assess fracture risk. Measurement of single trabeculae of bone should give further information compared with bone densitometry alone. This study measures the mechanical properties of single cancellous trabeculae derived from human proximal humerus.

Methods

34 single trabeculae dissected from human humeral heads were measured and evaluated mechanically. Trabeculae were fixed on microscope slides and geometrical data were reported during axial rotation of the specimens to measure the transverse section using computer aided design (CAD). The samples were subjected to a two-point bending test and were loaded with a measure-stamp at a defined distance. Force and deflection were measured by high-resolution sensors. The E-modulus was then calculated in combination with finite elements method simulation (FEM), using the previously obtained CAD-Data.

Results

The average E-modulus from 34 valid measurements of human humeral trabeculae was 1678 MPa with a range from 829 to 3396 MPa, which is consistent with existing literature. The planned additional validation of the measurement method using manufactured three-dimensional synthetic trabeculae with known mechanical properties showed an average elastic modulus of single trabeculae of 51.5 MPa, being two dimensions lower than the value reported in the datasheet of the plastic.

Conclusion

This newly developed, time and cost-efficient procedure allows the measurement of E-modulus in single trabeculae. Measurement of mechanic parameters of single trabeculae might give insights on mechanic behavior of bone and be relevant for the research of systemic bone diseases, complementing the existing data on bone-mineral-density. Further examination of single trabeculae of human cancellous bone should give an insight on the mechanical behavior of bone also considering systemic bone diseases.

Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the proximal humerus, often termed shoulder fractures, are common injuries, especially in older people. The management of these fractures varies widely, including in the use of surgery. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of treatment and rehabilitation interventions for proximal humeral fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, trial registries, and bibliographies of trial reports and systematic reviews to September 2020. We updated this search in November 2021, but have not yet incorporated these results.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared non-pharmacological interventions for treating acute proximal humeral fractures in adults.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pairs of review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We pooled data where appropriate and used GRADE for assessing the certainty of evidence for each outcome. We prepared a brief economic commentary for one comparison.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 47 trials (3179 participants, mostly women and mainly aged 60 years or over) that tested one of 26 comparisons. Six comparisons were tested by 2 to 10 trials, the others by small single-centre trials only. Twelve studies evaluated non-surgical treatments, 10 compared surgical with non-surgical treatments, 23 compared two methods of surgery, and two tested timing of mobilisation after surgery. Most trials were at high risk of bias, due mainly to lack of blinding. We summarise the findings for four key comparisons below. Early (usually one week post injury) versus delayed (after three or more weeks) mobilisation for non-surgically-treated fractures Five trials (350 participants) made this comparison; however, the available data are very limited. Due to very low-certainty evidence from single trials, we are uncertain of the findings of better shoulder function at one year in the early mobilisation group, or the findings of little or no between-group difference in function at 3 or 24 months. Likewise, there is very low-certainty evidence of no important between-group difference in quality of life at one year. There was one reported death and five serious shoulder complications (1.9% of 259 participants), spread between the two groups, that would have required substantive treatment. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment Ten trials (717 participants) evaluated surgical intervention for displaced fractures (66% were three- or four-part fractures). There is high-certainty evidence of no clinically important difference between surgical and non-surgical treatment in patient-reported shoulder function at one year (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07 to 0.27; 7 studies, 552 participants) and two years (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.25; 5 studies, 423 participants). There is moderate-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in patient-reported shoulder function at six months (SMD 0.17, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.38; 3 studies, 347 participants). There is high-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in quality of life at one year (EQ-5D (0: dead to 1: best quality): mean difference (MD) 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; 6 studies, 502 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of little between-group difference in mortality: one of the 31 deaths was explicitly linked with surgery (risk ratio (RR) 1.35, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.62; 8 studies, 646 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of a higher risk of additional surgery in the surgery group (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.51; 9 studies, 667 participants). Based on an illustrative risk of 35 subsequent operations per 1000 non-surgically-treated patients, this indicates an extra 38 subsequent operations per 1000 surgically-treated patients (95% CI 8 to 94 more). Although there was low-certainty evidence of a higher overall risk of adverse events after surgery, the 95% CI also includes a slightly increased risk of adverse events after non-surgical treatment (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.31; 3 studies, 391 participants). Open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate versus a locking intramedullary nail Four trials (270 participants) evaluated surgical intervention for displaced fractures (63% were two-part fractures). There is low-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in shoulder function at one year (SMD 0.15, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.41; 4 studies, 227 participants), six months (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (0 to 100: worst disability): MD -0.39, 95% CI -4.14 to 3.36; 3 studies, 174 participants), or two years (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) (0 to 100: best outcome): MD 3.06, 95% CI -0.05 to 6.17; 2 studies, 101 participants). There is very low-certainty evidence of no between-group difference in quality of life (1 study), and of little difference in adverse events (4 studies, 250 participants) and additional surgery (3 studies, 193 participants). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) versus hemiarthroplasty There is very low-certainty evidence from two trials (161 participants with either three- or four-part fractures) of no or minimal between-group differences in self-reported shoulder function at one year (1 study) or at two to three years' follow-up (2 studies); or in quality of life at one year or at two or more years' follow-up (1 study). Function at six months was not reported. Of 10 deaths reported by one trial (99 participants), one appeared to be surgery-related. There is very low-certainty evidence of a lower risk of complications after RTSA (2 studies). Ten people (6.2% of 161 participants) had a reoperation; all eight cases in the hemiarthroplasty group received a RTSA (very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is high- or moderate-certainty evidence that, compared with non-surgical treatment, surgery does not result in a better outcome at one and two years after injury for people with displaced proximal humeral fractures. It may increase the need for subsequent surgery. The evidence is absent or insufficient for people aged under 60 years, high-energy trauma, two-part tuberosity fractures or less common fractures, such as fracture dislocations and articular surface fractures. There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to inform the choices between different non-surgical, surgical or rehabilitation interventions for these fractures.

Surgeons Consider Initial Nonoperative Treatment With Potential for Future Conversion to Reverse Arthroplasty a Reasonable Option for Older, Relatively Infirm, and Less-Active Patients

OBJECTIVES

Two recent developments favor initial nonoperative treatment of proximal humerus fractures among the older, relatively infirm, less-active patients that represent most patients with such fractures: (1) evidence of minimal benefit of open reduction, internal fixation over nonoperative treatment, and (2) evidence of the effectiveness of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. As one step in determining the feasibility of a strategy of initial nonoperative treatment of proximal humerus fracture among older, relatively infirm, less-active people, we performed a survey-based experiment to measure factors associated with surgeon recommendation for initial nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

Members of the Science of Variation Group viewed 8 hypothetical patients with radiographs of complex proximal humeral fractures and 7 randomized patient variables. For each scenario, surgeons were asked whether they would recommend (1) initial nonoperative treatment with bailout reverse arthroplasty or (2) immediate reverse arthroplasty.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of recommendations for initial nonoperative treatment was 63%, with wide variation by surgeon (range 0%-100%). In multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, recommendation for initial nonoperative treatment was associated with specific radiographs, older age, having a comorbidity, being homebound, surgical subspecialists, and more than 20 years in practice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that surgeons may consider initial nonoperative treatment with potential for future conversion to reverse arthroplasty an acceptable treatment option, particularly for older, less-active, more infirm individuals, and relatively less displaced fractures with little comminution.

Functional outcomes before and after implant removal in patients with posttraumatic shoulder stiffness and healed proximal humerus fractures: does implant material (PEEK vs. titanium) have an impact? - a pilot study

Background

Posttraumatic shoulder stiffness remains a problem after proximal humerus fracture (PHF) despite good healing rates. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the implant material and overlying soft tissue have an effect on shoulder range of motion (ROM) before and after implant removal (IR).

Methods

16 patients (mean age 55.2 ± 15.3 (SD) years; 62.5% female) were included who underwent operative treatment with locking plates of either carbon fiber reinforced Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (PEEKPower® humeral fracture plate, Arthrex, Naples, Florida, USA, n = 8) or titanium alloy (Ti) (Philos®, DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson Medical, Raynham, Massachusetts, USA, n = 8) for PHF. All patients presented with a limited ROM and persistent pain in everyday life after the fracture had healed, whereupon IR was indicated. ROM before and after IR were compared as well as the Constant Score (CS) and the CS compared to the contralateral shoulder (%CS) 1 year after IR.

Results

In group PEEK, elevation was 116.3° ± 19.2° pre- and 129.4° ± 23.7° post-IR (p = 0.027). External rotation was 35.0° ± 7.6° pre- and 50.6° ± 21.8° post-IR (p = 0.041). External rotation with the humerus abducted 90° was 38.8° ± 18.1° pre- and 52.5° ± 25.5° post-IR (p = 0.024). In group Ti, elevation was 110.0° ± 34.6° pre- and 133.8° ± 31.1° post-IR (p = 0.011). External rotation with the humerus at rest was 33.8° ± 23.1° pre- and 48.8° ± 18.7° post-IR (p = 0.048). External rotation with the humerus abducted 90° was 40.0° ± 31.6° pre- and 52.5° ± 22.5° post-IR (p = 0.011). Comparison of the two implant materials showed no significant difference. The overall CS was 90.3 ± 8.8, the %CS was 91.8% ± 14.7%.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in ROM, CS and %CS with respect to plate materials, although lower cell adhesion is reported for the hydrophobic PEEK. However, all patients showed improved functional outcomes after IR in this pilot study. In patients with shoulder stiffness following locked plating for PHF, implants should be removed and open arthrolysis should be performed, independently from the hardware material.

Level of evidence

II

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05061-x.

Proximal Humerus Fracture-Open Reduction Internal Fixation With an Expandable Intramedullary Nitinol Scaffold

SUMMARY

For the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, the intramedullary nitinol scaffold is a novel implant that has gained popularity and demonstrated promising 1-year outcomes as an alternative to bone grafting for providing intramedullary structural support to the humeral head. The aim of this video is to demonstrate the insertion of this device safely, while highlighting potential pitfalls, in a 67-year-old patient with a displaced, varus angulated 2-part proximal humerus fracture.

How to Assess Shoulder Functionality: A Systematic Review of Existing Validated Outcome Measures

The objective of this review was to compile validated functional shoulder assessment tools and analyse the methodological quality of their validations. Secondarily, we aimed to provide a comparison of the tools, including parameter descriptions, indications/applications, languages and operating instructions, to choose the most suitable for future clinical and research approaches. A systematic review (PRISMA) was conducted using: PubMed, WoS Scopus, CINHAL, Dialnet and reference lists until 2020. The main criteria for inclusion were that papers were original studies of validated tools or validation studies. Pre-established tables showed tools, validations, items/components, etc. The QUADAS-2 and COSMIN-RB were used to assess the methodological quality of validations. Ultimately, 85 studies were selected, 32 tools and 111 validations. Risk of bias scored lower than applicability, and patient selection got the best scores (QUADAS-2). Internal consistency had the highest quality and PROMs development the lowest (COSMIN-RB). Responsiveness was the most analysed metric property. Modified UCLA and SST obtained the highest quality in shoulder instability surgery, and SPADI in pain. The most approached topic was activities of daily living (81%). We compiled 32 validated functional shoulder assessment tools, and conducted an analysis of the methodological quality of 111 validations associated with them. Modified UCLA and SST showed the highest methodological quality in instability surgery and SPADI in pain.

Three-dimensional models increase the interobserver agreement for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures

Background

The agreement for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures is low. Interpretation of exams used for diagnosis can be directly associated with this limitation. This study proposes to compare the agreement between experts and residents in orthopedics for treatment indication of proximal humerus fractures, utilizing 3D-models, holography (augmented reality), x-rays, and tomography as diagnostic methods.

Methods

Twenty orthopedists (ten experts in shoulder and elbow surgery and ten experts in traumatology) and thirty resident physicians in orthopedics evaluated nine fractures of the proximal humerus, randomly distributed as x-rays, tomography, 3D-models and holography, using the Neer and AO / OTA Classifications. After, we evaluated the interobserver agreement between treatment options (conservative, osteosynthesis and arthroplasty) and whether the experience of the evaluators interfered with the results.

Results

The interobserver agreement analysis showed the following kappa-values: κ = 0.362 and κ = 0.306 for experts and residents (3D-models); κ = 0.240 and κ = 0.221 (X-ray); κ = 0.233 and κ = 0.123 (Tomography) and κ = 0.321 and κ = 0.160 (Holography), for experts and residents respectively. Moreover, residents and specialists were discordant in the treatment indication using Tomography as a diagnostic method (p = 0.003). The same was not seen for the other diagnostic methods (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Three-dimensional models showed, overall, the highest interobserver agreement (experts versus residents in orthopedics) for the choice of treatment of proximal humerus fractures compared to X-ray, Tomography, and Holography. Agreement in the choice of treatment among experts that used Tomography and Holography as diagnostic methods were two times higher compared to residents.

Trial registration

Registered in Brazil Platform under no. CAAE 12273519.7.0000.5505.

PHILOS plate versus nonoperative treatment in 2-, 3-, and 4-part proximal humeral fractures: Comparison with healthy control subjects

PURPOSE

There is no consensus in the literature on nonoperative treatment of displaced and multipart fractures of proximal humerus as those are normally treated operatively. Our aim was to compare the functional results of nonoperative management and open reduction internal fixation with the proximal humerus internal locking system of 2-, 3-, and 4-part proximal humerus fractures, among themselves and with a healthy control group.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2018, 92 proximal humerus fractures constituting a nonoperative group (n = 47) and an operative group (n = 45) together with healthy control subjects (n = 45) were analyzed in a tertiary care referral center. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were used for subjective functional analysis. Range of motion and muscle strength were analyzed objectively for all patients and healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

In 2-part fractures, VAS scores and hand grip strength were determined as lower in the nonoperative group (p = 0.033 and p = 0.034, respectively). In 3- and 4-part fractures, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of ASES and VAS scores. Patients who underwent surgery had more muscle strength than those in the nonoperative group, but only arm extensor and forearm flexor muscle strengths were statistically significant for 3-part fractures. In cases of 4-part fractures, objective functional results were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

With insufficient functional results and high complication rates in surgery, nonoperative management is still the preferred choice for proximal humerus fractures, especially in case of multipart fractures.

Mechanical Effects of Bone Substitute and Far-Cortical Locking Techniques in 2-Part Proximal Humerus Fracture Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study

OBJECTIVES

To make direct comparisons of the biomechanical properties of a control (CTL) group and implants that were augmented with far cortical locking (FCL), bone substitute material (BSM), and a combination of both (ALL) to determine which fixation is most effective in reducing implant failure.

METHODS

The constructs were tested with osteopenic cadaveric specimens in a two-part fracture model. Specimens were subjected to a battery of nondestructive torsion and axial compression tests, followed by a cyclic test. Construct stiffness and cycles to failure were documented, pre- and post-test fluoroscopy was performed, and implant and bone kinematics were quantified.

RESULTS

During nondestructive testing, the BSM group exhibited significantly increased torsional and axial stiffness compared with the FCL (P = 0.006, P < 0.001) group and ALL group (P < 0.001, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in resistance to cyclic loading between groups. Fluoroscopic analysis indicated significant differences in the motions of nonlocked cannulated screws (used in BSM and ALL) versus locked screws (used in CTL and FCL).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with poor bone quality and proximal humerus fracture may necessitate added compliance or rigidity to achieve fixation. Both have exhibited favorable biomechanical characteristics in this cadaveric 2-part proximal humerus fracture model.

Osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures: a 1-year analysis of failure in a Belgian level-1 trauma centre

PURPOSE

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fractures affecting the elderly. Angular stable osteosynthesis has become indispensable in the operative treatment. However, surgical fixation remains challenging. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the failure rate after osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures over a year in a level-1 trauma centre. Furthermore, parameters that are presumed to be related to osteosynthesis failure will be investigated and discussed.

METHODS

After meeting the exclusion criteria, 134 patients were operatively treated with angular stable osteosynthesis between January 2017 and January 2018 at the University Hospitals of Leuven.

RESULTS

Circa 16% of the proximal humeral osteosyntheses failed. Our study showed that the most significant parameter for osteosynthesis failure was smoking. The odds of failure were significantly lower if treated by a shoulder surgeon compared to another trauma surgeon in the plate and nail group combined.

CONCLUSION

The management of proximal humeral fracture osteosynthesis remains a controversial subject. In this retrospective analysis, a failure rate of 15.7% was calculated. Smoking is a statistically significant parameter related to osteosynthesis failure. The subspecialty of the treating trauma surgeon affected the failure rate significantly. A lower failure rate was noted after osteosynthesis by a shoulder surgeon compared to another trauma surgeon.

[Effectiveness of simultaneous versus delayed repair of combined full-thickness rotator cuff rupture in proximal humerus fracture]

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of simultaneous and delayed repair of combined full-thickness rotator cuff rupture in proximal humerus fracture.

Methods

Between January 2015 and January 2017, 44 patients with proximal humerus fractures complicated with full-thickness rotator cuff injuries were included. Twenty-four patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and rotator cuff repair simultaneously (simultaneous operation group), and 20 patients underwent delayed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair more than 90 days after ORIF (delayed operation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, and side of injury between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fracture healing was observed by X-ray films. The shoulder function was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation by using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score.

Results

All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17 months). Fractures all healed at 3 months after operation in simultaneous operation group. According to UCLA score, the patients had achieved significantly better outcomes in function, active forward flexion, strength of forward flexion, and subjective satisfaction in simultaneous operation group than in delayed operation group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in pain between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with proximal humerus fracture complicated with full-thickness rotator cuff rupture, performing ORIF and simultaneous repair of rotator cuff can improve shoulder function and achieve better effectiveness when compared with delayed repair of rotator cuff.