Aims. The primary aim of this study was to develop a reliable, effective radiological score to assess the healing of humeral shaft fractures, the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU). The secondary aim was to assess whether the six-week RUSHU was predictive of nonunion at six months after the injury. Patients and Methods. Initially, 20 patients with radiographs six weeks following a humeral shaft fracture were selected at random from a trauma database and scored by three observers, based on the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures system. After refinement of the RUSHU criteria, a second group of 60 patients with radiographs six weeks after injury, 40 with fractures that united and 20 with fractures that developed nonunion, were scored by two blinded observers. Results. After refinement, the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 0.87), indicating substantial agreement. At six weeks after injury, patients whose fractures united had a significantly higher median score than those who developed nonunion (10 vs 7; p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve determined that a RUSHU cut-off of < 8 was predictive of nonunion (area under the curve = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 80% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Patients with a RUSHU < 8 (n = 23) were more likely to develop nonunion than those with a RUSHU ≥ 8 (n = 37, odds ratio 12.0, 95% CI 3.4 to 42.9). Based on a PPV of 65%, if all patients with a RUSHU < 8 underwent fixation, the number of procedures needed to avoid one nonunion would be 1.5. Conclusion. The RUSHU is reliable and effective in identifying patients at risk of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture at six weeks after injury. This tool requires external validation but could potentially reduce the morbidity associated with delayed treatment of an established nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1300–1306

Aims. Arthroplasty is being increasingly used for the management of distal humeral fractures (DHFs) in elderly patients. Arthroplasty options include total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA); both have unique complications and there is not yet a consensus on which implant is superior. This systematic review asked: in patients aged over 65 years with unreconstructable DHFs, what differences are there in outcomes, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), range of motion (ROM), and complications, between distal humeral HA and TEA?. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was performed via a search of MEDLINE and Embase. Two reviewers extracted data on PROMs, ROM, and complications. PROMs and ROM results were reported descriptively and a meta-analysis of complications was conducted. Quality of methodology was assessed using Wylde’s non-summative four-point system. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228329). Results. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score was 19.6 (SD 7.5) for HA and 38 (SD 11.9) for TEA and the mean abbreviated version of DASH was 17.2 (SD 13.2) for HA and 24.9 (SD 4.8) for TEA. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was the most commonly reported PROM across included studies, with a mean of 87 (SD 5.3) in HA and 88.3 (SD 5) in TEA. High complication rates were seen in both HA (22% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5 to 44)) and TEA (21% (95% CI 13 to 30), but no statistically significant difference identified. Conclusion. This systematic review has indicated PROMs and ROM mostly favouring HA, but with a similarly high complication rate in the two procedures. However, due to the small sample size and heterogeneity between studies, strength of evidence for these findings is low. We propose further research in the form of a national randomized controlled trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):559–566

This study reviews the early results of Distal Humeral Hemiarthroplasty(DHH) for distal humeral fracture and proposed a treatment algorithm incorporating the use of this technique in the overall management of distal humeral fractures. DHH was performed on 30 patients (mean 65 years; 29-91) for unreconstructable fractures of the distal humerus or salvage of failed internal fixation. A triceps on approach was used in six and an olecranon osteotomy in 24. A Sorbie Questor prosthesis (Wright Medical Technology) was used in 14 patients and a Latitude (Tornier) in 16. Clinical review at a mean of 25 months (3–88) included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons elbow outcomes instrument (ASES), Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and radiological assessment. At follow up of 28 patients mean flexion deformity was 25 degrees, flexion 128 degrees, range of pronosupination 165 degrees, mean ASES 83, MEPI 77 and satisfaction 8/10. Acute cases scored better than salvage cases. Re- operation was required in 16 patients (53%); two revisions to a linked prosthesis for periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening at 53 and 16 months, 12 metalwork removals and four ulnar nerve procedures. Posterolateral rotatory instability was present in one elbow, four had laxity and mild pain on loading (two with prosthesis or pin loosening), four had laxity associated with column fractures (two symptomatic) and 10 had asymptomatic mild laxity only. The triceps on approach had worse instability and clinical scores. Uncomplicated union occurred in all olecranon osteotomies and 86% of column fractures. One elbow had an incomplete cement mantle and seven had lucencies >1 mm; one was loose but acceptable. Five prostheses were in slight varus. Two elbows had early degenerative changes and 15 developed a medial spur on the trochlea. This is the largest reported experience of DHH. Early results of DHH show good outcomes after complex distal humeral fractures, despite a technically demanding procedure. Better results are obtained for treatment in the acute setting and with use of an olecranon osteotomy. As a result of this experience anatomical and clinical pre-requisites and advise on technique are outlined. An algorithm for use of DHH in relation to total elbow arthroplasty and ORIF for the treatment of complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures with or without column fractures is proposed

Objective: The primary aim was to describe the epidemiology of the Holstein-Lewis humeral shaft fracture, its association with radial nerve palsy and the outcome regarding recovery from the radial nerve palsy and fracture healing. The secondary aim was to analyze the long-term functional outcome. Setting: Six major hospitals in Stockholm County. Design: Descriptive study. Retrospective assessment of radial nerve recovery and fracture healing. Prospective assessment of functional outcome. Patients: All 27 patients with a 12A1.3 humeral shaft fracture according to the OTA classification satisfying the criteria of a Holstein-Lewis fracture in a population of 358 consecutive patients with 361 traumatic humeral shaft fractures. Intervention: Nonoperative or operative treatment according to the decision of the attending orthopedic surgeon. Main Outcome Measurements: Recovery of the radial nerve, fracture healing and functional outcome according to the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Results: The Holstein-Lewis humeral shaft fracture constituted 7.5% of all humeral shaft fractures and was associated with an increased risk of acute radial nerve palsy compared to other types of humeral shaft fractures, 22% versus 8% (p< 0.05). The fractures of six of the seven operatively treated patients healed after the primary surgical procedure while one fracture healed after revision surgery. The fractures of all patients treated nonoperatively healed without any further intervention. All six radial nerve palsies (two patients treated nonoperatively and four operatively) recovered. The functional outcome according to the SMFA was good with no differences between the nonoperatively and operatively treated patients: SMFA dysfunction index 7.6 and 9.7, respectively, and SMFA bother index 6.1 and 6.8, respectively. Conclusion: The Holstein-Lewis humeral shaft fracture was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute radial nerve palsy. The overall outcome regarding fracture healing, radial nerve recovery, and function is excellent regardless of the primary treatment modality, i.e. operative or nonoperative treatment. The indication for primary operative intervention in this fracture type appears to be relative

Introduction. Humeral non-union may present a challenging problem. The instability from the un-united fracture leads to pain, disability and significant morbidity. The incidence of humeral shaft non-union as a complication of both operative and non-operative treatment is approximately 8% to 12%. This retrospective study reviews the results of surgical treatment of humeral fracture non-union performed by a single surgeon with a consistent surgical protocol. Material and Method. We present a retrospective analysis of a series of 51 consecutive cases of humeral fracture non-union treated in our limb reconstruction centre. Data were collected on mechanism of injury, associated co-morbidities, smoking, use of NSAIDs and treatment before referral. Patients were followed up to clinical and radiological union. Results. From 1994-2008, 48 patients with established humeral non-union were referred to our unit following initial management locally. Three patients were managed in our unit from the outset. There were 20 male and 28 female patients with a mean age of 53 years (range 15-86 years). There were 34 (68%) diaphyseal, nine (17%) proximal and eight (15%) distal humeral non-unions. The treatment in our unit involved plate fixation in 44 (86%) cases, intramedullary nailing in three (6%) and external fixation in three (6%) patients. Iliac crest bone graft, bone morphogenetic protein or a combination of these were utilised in 44 (86%) cases. Thirty-six patients required at least one surgical intervention to achieve union. Twelve patients had more than one operation. The average follow-up was 19.6 months. Union was achieved in all but one case at an average time of 9.8 months (range 3-24 months); one case developed a functionally inconsequential pseudoarthrosis. Conclusion. Union of ununited humeral fractures can be achieved consistently by providing appropriate mechanical stability and biological environment at the fracture site

This paper reports our experience of revision open reduction, internal fixation and bone grafting of distal humeral fracture non-unions and in addition looks specifically at factors that may predispose to the development of non-union. Between 1993 and 2003 18 patients with distal humeral fracture non-unions underwent revision surgery with bone grafting and rigid internal fixation. Two patients were lost to follow-up leaving a study group of 16 patients. The patients’ age, sex, mechanism of injury, AO classification of the initial fracture and the primary treatment method were analysed with respect to possible factors predisposing to non-union. All revision procedures were performed by the senior author. The non-union site was debrided, bone grafted and rigidly internally fixed. Clinical assessment was performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and radiographs were reviewed for evidence of bony union. The Mayo elbow performance scores were excellent in 11, good in 2, fair in 2 and poor in 1. Our results indicate that age, sex and mechanism of injury are not important in the development of non-union. Twelve patients (75%) however were considered to have undergone inadequate management of the original fracture. Our experience would suggest that to reduce the risk of non-union following distal humeral fractures appropriate consideration must be given to the established and well proven surgical techniques. If adequate fixation is considered beyond the experience of the treating surgeon we would strongly advise referral to a specialist unit

Aims. The primary aim was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of routine operative fixation for all patients with humeral shaft fractures. The secondary aim was to estimate the health economic implications of using a Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU) of < 8 to facilitate selective fixation for patients at risk of nonunion. Methods. From 2008 to 2017, 215 patients (mean age 57 yrs (17 to 18), 61% female (n = 130/215)) with a nonoperatively managed humeral diaphyseal fracture were retrospectively identified. Union was achieved in 77% (n = 165/215) after initial nonoperative management, with 23% (n = 50/215) uniting after surgery for nonunion. The EuroQol five-dimension three-level health index (EQ-5D-3L) was obtained via postal survey. Multiple regression was used to determine the independent influence of patient, injury, and management factors upon the EQ-5D-3L. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of < £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was considered cost-effective. Results. At a mean of 5.4 yrs (1.2 to 11.0), the mean EQ-5D-3L was 0.736 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.697 to 0.775). Adjusted analysis demonstrated the EQ-5D-3L was inferior among patients who united after nonunion surgery (β = 0.103; p = 0.032). Offering routine fixation to all patients to reduce the rate of nonunion would be associated with increased treatment costs of £1,542/patient, but would confer a potential EQ-5D-3L benefit of 0.120/patient over the study period. The ICER of routine fixation was £12,850/QALY gained. Selective fixation based on a RUSHU < 8 at six weeks post-injury would be associated with reduced treatment costs (£415/patient), and would confer a potential EQ-5D-3L benefit of 0.335 per ‘at-risk patient’. Conclusion. Routine fixation for patients with humeral shaft fractures to reduce the rate of nonunion observed after nonoperative management appears to be a cost-effective intervention at five years post-injury. Selective fixation for patients at risk of nonunion based on their RUSHU may confer even greater cost-effectiveness, given the potential savings and improvement in health-related quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):566–572

This study reviews the early results of elbow hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fracture. Elbow hemiarthroplasty was performed on 30 patients (mean 65 years; 29–91) for unreconstructable fractures of the distal humerus or salvage of failed internal fixation. A ‘triceps on’ approach was used in 6 and an olecranon osteotomy in 24. A Sorbie Questor prosthesis (Wright Medical Technology) was used in 14 patients and a Lattitude (Tornier) in 16. Clinical review at a mean of 25 months (3 – 88) included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons elbow outcomes instrument (ASES), Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and radiological assessment. At follow up of 28 patients, mean flexion deformity was 25 degrees, flexion 128 degrees, range of pronosupination 165 degrees, mean ASES 83, MEPI 77 and satisfaction 8/10. Acute cases scored better than salvage cases. Re-operation was required in 16 patients (53%); 2 revisions to a linked prosthesis for periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening at 53 and 16 months, 12 metalwork removals and 4 ulnar nerve procedures. Posterolateral rotatory instability was present in one elbow, 4 had laxity and pain on loading (2 with prosthesis or pin loosening), 4 had laxity associated with column fractures (2 symptomatic) and 10 had asymptomatic laxity only. The triceps on approach had worse laxity and clinical scores. Uncomplicated union occurred in all olecranon osteotomies and 86% of column fractures. One elbow had an incomplete cement mantle and 7 had lucencies > 1 mm; one was loose but acceptable. 5 prostheses were in slight varus and 2 were flexed. 2 elbows had early degenerative changes and 15 an osteophytic lip on the medial trochlea. Elbow hemiarthroplasty has good early results after complex distal humeral fractures, despite a demanding procedure, metalware removal in 40%, symptomatic laxity in 12% and column non-union in 8%. Better results are obtained for treatment in the acute setting and with use of an olecranon osteotomy

Pathological fractures of the humerus are associated with pain, morbidity, loss of function and a diminished quality of life. We report our experience of stabilising these fractures using polymethylmethacrylate and non-locking plates. We undertook a retrospective review over 20 years of patients treated at a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre. Those who had undergone surgery for an impending or completed pathological humeral fracture with a diagnosis of metastatic disease or myeloma were identified from our database. There were 63 patients (43 men, 20 women) in the series with a mean age of 63 years (39 to 87). All had undergone intralesional curettage of the tumour followed by fixation with intramedullary polymethylmethacrylate and plating. Complications occurred in 14 patients (22.2%) and seven (11.1%) required re-operation. At the latest follow-up, 47 patients (74.6%) were deceased and 16 (25.4%) were living with a mean follow-up of 75 months (1 to 184). A total of 54 (86%) patients had no or mild pain and 50 (80%) required no or minimal assistance with activities of daily living. Of the 16 living patients none had pain and all could perform activities of daily living without assistance. Intralesional resection of the tumour, filling of the cavity with cement, and plate stabilisation of the pathological fracture gives immediate rigidity and allows an early return of function without the need for bony union. The patient’s local disease burden is reduced, which may alleviate tumour-related pain and slow the progression of the disease. The cemented-plate technique provides a reliable option for the treatment of pathological fractures of the humerus

Introduction. Although the majority of adult distal humeral fractures are successfully treated with ORIF, the management in frail patients, often elderly with multiple co-morbidities and osteoporotic bone, remains controversial. Elbow replacement is frequently recommended if stable internal fixation cannot be achieved, especially in low, displaced, comminuted fractures. The “bag-of-bones” method ie early movement with fragments accepted in their displaced position, is rarely considered as there has been little in the literature since 10 successful cases were reported by Brown & Morgan in 1971 (JBJS 53-B(3):425–428). We present the experience of three units in which conservative management has been actively adopted in selected cases. Methods. 44 distal humeral fractures were initially treated conservatively - 2004–2010. Mean age 73.9 yrs (40–91) and 34 F: 10 M. Clinical and radiological review at a mean follow-up of 2 years (1–6). Results. There were 18 AO Type A, 7 B and 19 C fractures. The range of elbow movement was extension/flexion 38/124, and pronation/supination 75/76 at their last follow-up. Using the Oxford elbow score (0 = worst/4 best result), the mean pain score was 2.44 (range 1–4), 2.26 (0–4) for function, and 2.04 (0–4) for psycho-social, although several patients had early dementia. Only 5 subsequently underwent replacement out of 44 patients whose residual symptoms have not been sufficient to require surgery. Discussion. We believe that there is a role for initial conservative treatment in selected higher-risk patients, as initial early mobilisation within the limits of discomfort can give good functional results. There is a significant complication rate after fixation or replacement in elderly, frail patients, which includes infection, stiffness and loosening. Unnecessary operations can be avoided in the majority of cases, with replacement of a virgin joint at a later date only if required

Since its approval by the FDA two decades ago, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has become a valuable asset in the management of open fractures with significant soft tissue damage as those seen in high velocity gunshot injuries. These lesions are often associated with grossly contaminated wounds and require a prompt and effective approach. Wound dehiscence and surgical site infection are two of the most common post-operative complications, with poor results when treated with standard gauze dresses. NPTW comes as a legitimate resource promoting secondary intention healing through increased granulation and improved tissue perfusion, as well as continuous local wound drainage preventing bacterial growth and further infection. Recent evidence-based guidelines are still limited for use of NPWT in the treatment of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures and there are few cases in literature reporting the management of upper extremity injuries. We present and discuss a successful case of a type IIIB open humeral fracture wound treated with NPWT. A 38-years-old male was admitted to the Emergency Room with a type IIIB open humeral fracture as a result of a gunshot with extensive soft tissue damage. IV antibiotic therapy was promptly started followed by surgical stabilization by intramedullary nailing with primary wound closure. The patient presented an early surgical site infection with wound dehiscence requiring secondary debridement with poor subsequent healing and deficient soft tissue coverage. After ineffective 28 days of standard gauze dresses we started NPWT. NPTW was applied using foam coverage over the dehiscence area with visible results after 13 days and complete granulation of the skin defect by the 28th day. The wound healed completely after 14 weeks of NPWT. The fracture evolved into a painless pseudarthrosis revealing an excellent functional recovery and an acceptable aesthetic result. NPTW is a valuable, effective, and well tolerated resource in the treatment of open fractures with extensive soft tissue damage such as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures. It should be considered not just as a salvage procedure but as well as a primary option especially in grossly contaminated wounds. No benefits in any form have been received from a commercial party

We treated 49 patients at an average age of 80 years (75 to 90) with distal mostly intraarticular humeral fractures by open reduction. There were 8 class A, 13 class B and 28 class C fractures on Muller's classification. The patients were reviewed at a postoperative average of 18 months. The patients' assessment of the result was very good in 31%, good in 49%, fair in 15% and poor in 5%. The flexion-extension range was very good in 41%, good in 44% and fair in 15%. The incidence of implant failure, pseudarthrosis of the olecranon osteotomy and ulnar nerve lesion was no higher in these elderly patients than in younger patients. Old age is not a contraindication to open reduction and internal fixation; it is important to restore full function

Purpose: Distal humeral fractures are often difficult injuries to treat. We hypothesise that more complex distal humeral fractures have unacceptable functional outcomes due to multi-factorial reasons. Methods: 42 patients with AO/ASIF type B and C fractures of the distal humerus who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation over a six year period were included in the study. All patients were from a single district general hospital. 37 (88%) were clinically, radiologically, and functionally assessed for this study, with the remainder either lost to follow-up or expired. Results: There were 21 type B and 16 type C fractures, all managed by open reduction and internal fixation. Various fixation techniques were utilised. These were performed by consultant surgeons in 14 cases and by surgeons in training in 23 cases. Average follow up was 38 months (range 22–54 months). The arc of elbow motion was 94 degrees (range 58–130), with an average extension deficit of 28 degrees (range 20–55) and an average flexion deficit of 32 degrees (range 15–45). The average arc of forearm rotation was 136 degrees (range 45–140), with an average supination of 68 (range 35–85) and an average pronation of 72 (range 45–90). The complications (n=20/37) included superficial skin infection (n=4), ulnar nerve neurapraxia (n=3), non-union of the humerus fracture (n=2), non-union of olecranon osteotomy site (n=1), intra-articular screw placement (n=1), loosened plate (n=1), loose/backed out screw (n=2), fixed flexion deformity (n=4) and mild elbow instability (n=2). Second surgery was performed in 24% (n=9/37), revision of metal work (n=2), bone grafting (n=2), anterior capsulectomy (n=4), and removal of screw (n=1). Conclusions: Fractures of the distal humerus are often more complex than appreciated, and challenging to treat, with respect to fracture union and functional outcome. A generalist practice appears adequate for achieving bony union, but inadequate for obtaining low complication rates and functional outcomes. Our data suggest that such injuries may constitute a fracture group requiring the acute intervention by centres that have specific sub-specialisation and adequate rehabilitation facilities

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to determine the rates of return to work (RTW) and sport (RTS) following a humeral shaft fracture. The secondary aim was to identify factors independently associated with failure to RTW or RTS. Methods. From 2008 to 2017, all patients with a humeral diaphyseal fracture were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics and injury characteristics were recorded. Details of pre-injury employment, sporting participation, and levels of return post-injury were obtained via postal questionnaire. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale was used to quantify physical activity among active patients. Regression was used to determine factors independently associated with failure to RTW or RTS. Results. The Work Group comprised 177 patients in employment prior to injury (mean age 47 years (17 to 78); 51% female (n = 90)). Mean follow-up was 5.8 years (1.3 to 11). Overall, 85% (n = 151) returned to work at a mean of 14 weeks post-injury (0 to 104), but only 60% (n = 106) returned full-time to their previous employment. Proximal-third fractures (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 14.2); p = 0.029) were independently associated with failure to RTW. The Sport Group comprised 182 patients involved in sport prior to injury (mean age 52 years (18 to 85); 57% female (n = 104)). Mean follow-up was 5.4 years (1.3 to 11). The mean UCLA score reduced from 6.9 (95% CI 6.6 to 7.2) before injury to 6.1 (95% CI 5.8 to 6.4) post-injury (p < 0.001). There were 89% (n = 162) who returned to sport: 8% (n = 14) within three months, 34% (n = 62) within six months, and 70% (n = 127) within one year. Age ≥ 60 years was independently associated with failure to RTS (aOR 3.0 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.2); p = 0.036). No other factors were independently associated with failure to RTW or RTS. Conclusion. Most patients successfully return to work and sport following a humeral shaft fracture, albeit at a lower level of physical activity. Patients aged ≥ 60 yrs and those with proximal-third diaphyseal fractures are at increased risk of failing to return to activity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):236–244

Aims. Fractures of the humeral shaft represent 3% to 5% of all fractures. The most common treatment for isolated humeral diaphysis fractures in the UK is non-operative using functional bracing, which carries a low risk of complications, but is associated with a longer healing time and a greater risk of nonunion than surgery. There is an increasing trend to surgical treatment, which may lead to quicker functional recovery and lower rates of fracture nonunion than functional bracing. However, surgery carries inherent risk, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of functional bracing compared to surgical fixation for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods. The HUmeral SHaft (HUSH) fracture study is a multicentre, prospective randomized superiority trial of surgical versus non-surgical interventions for humeral shaft fractures in adult patients. Participants will be randomized to receive either functional bracing or surgery. With 334 participants, the trial will have 90% power to detect a clinically important difference for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score, assuming 20% loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes will include function, pain, quality of life, complications, cost-effectiveness, time off work, and ability to drive. Discussion. The results of this trial will provide evidence regarding clinical and cost-effectiveness between surgical and non-surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Ethical approval has been obtained from East of England – Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee. Publication is anticipated to occur in 2024. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):343–349

Aims: The purposes of this study were to design a more useful fracture classiþcation system for distal humeral fractures and to validate it by exactly reproducing methodology from a previous study. Methods: We designed a new fracture classiþcation system based upon our experience of managing these fractures. We tested its validity by reproducing methodology from a study performed in Oxford. Using the same radiographs, we asked 9 independent assessors to classify the fractures, on two separate occasions, according to the Riseborough and Radin, Jupiter and Mehne and AO classiþcation systems as well as our own Ð The Shefþeld Classiþcation. The assessors were unaware that the new system was produced for the purposes of the study. Using the Kappa statistic, the level of interobserver and intraobserver agreement was determined. Results: Amongst all observers, The Shefþeld Classiþcation is a moderately reliable (k=0.603) but substantially reproducible (k=0.713) classiþcation system. The system improves to become substantially reliable (k=0.643) amongst orthopaedic surgeons. The proportion of fractures unclassiþable by the new system is similar to the AO classiþcation (3.7%). Conclusions: By reproducing previous methodology, we have a unique study that validates The Shefþeld Classiþcation. We believe that it can be used in a management algorithm for these complex fractures

The primary aim was to assess the reliability of ultrasound in the assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing. The secondary aim was to estimate the accuracy of ultrasound assessment in predicting humeral shaft nonunion. Twelve patients (mean age 54yrs [20–81], 58% [n=7/12] female) with a non-operatively managed humeral diaphyseal fracture were prospectively recruited and underwent ultrasound scanning at six and 12wks post-injury. Scans were reviewed by seven blinded observers to evaluate the presence of sonographic callus. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were determined using the weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Accuracy of ultrasound assessment in nonunion prediction was estimated by comparing scans for patients that united (n=10/12) with those that developed a nonunion (n=2/12). At both six and 12wks, sonographic callus was present in 11 patients (10 united, one developed a nonunion) and sonographic bridging callus (SBC) was present in seven patients (all united). Ultrasound assessment demonstrated substantial intra- (6wk kappa 0.75, 95% CI 0.47-1.03; 12wk kappa 0.75, 95% CI 0.46-1.04) and inter-observer reliability (6wk ICC 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.83; 12wk ICC 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.91). Absence of sonographic callus demonstrated a sensitivity of 50%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 91% in nonunion prediction (accuracy 92%). Absence of SBC demonstrated a sensitivity of 100%, specificity 70%, PPV 40% and NPV 100% (accuracy 75%). Of three patients at risk of nonunion based on reduced radiographic callus formation (Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures <8), one had SBC on 6wk ultrasound (and united) and the other two had non-bridging or absent sonographic callus (both developed a nonunion). Ultrasound assessment of humeral shaft fracture healing was reliable and predictive of nonunion, and may be a useful tool in defining the risk of nonunion among patients with reduced radiographic callus formation

We retrospectively reviewed 89 consecutive patients (45 men and 44 women) with a mean age at the time of injury of 58 years (18 to 97) who had undergone external fixation after sustaining a unilateral fracture of the distal humerus. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO); identify risk factors associated with the development of HO; and characterise the location, severity and resultant functional impairment attributable to the presence of HO.

HO was identified in 37 elbows (42%), mostly around the humerus and along the course of the medial collateral ligament. HO was hazy immature in five elbows (13.5%), mature discrete in 20 (54%), extensive mature in 10 (27%), and complete bone bridges were present in two elbows (5.5%). Mild functional impairment occurred in eight patients, moderate in 27 and severe in two. HO was associated with less extension (p = 0.032) and less overall flexion-to-extension movement (p = 0.022); the flexion-to-extension arc was < 100º in 21 elbows (57%) with HO compared with 18 elbows (35%) without HO (p = 0.03). HO was removed surgically in seven elbows.

The development of HO was significantly associated with sustaining a head injury (p = 0.015), delayed internal fixation (p = 0.027), the method of fracture fixation (p = 0.039) and the use of bone graft or substitute (p = 0.02).HO continues to be a substantial complication after internal fixation for distal humerus fractures.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1681–7.

Aims. Medial humeral epicondyle fractures (MHEFs) are common elbow fractures in children. Open reduction should be performed in patients with MHEF who have entrapped intra-articular fragments as well as displacement. However, following open reduction, transposition of the ulnar nerve is disputed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the need for ulnar nerve exploration and transposition. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients who underwent surgical treatment of MHEF in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2022 were collected. The patients were allocated to either transposition or non-transposition groups. Data for sex, age, cause of fracture, duration of follow-up, Papavasiliou and Crawford classification, injury-to-surgery time, preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, intraoperative exploration of ulnar nerve injury, surgical incision length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, complications, persistent ulnar neuropathy, and elbow joint function were analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results. A total of 124 patients were followed up, 50 in the ulnar nerve transposition group and 74 in the non-transposition group. There were significant differences in ulnar nerve injury (p = 0.009), incision length (p < 0.001), and blood loss (p = 0.003) between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (p = 0.012) were risk factors for postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. In addition, ulnar nerve transposition did not affect the occurrence of postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms (p = 0.468). Conclusion. Ulnar nerve transposition did not improve clinical outcomes. It is recommended that the ulnar nerve should not be transposed when treating MHEF operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):212–218

We analysed the outcome of the Coonrad-Morrey total elbow replacement used for fracture of the distal humerus in elderly patients with no evidence of inflammatory arthritis and compared the results for early versus delayed treatment. We studied a total of 32 patients with 15 in the early treatment group and 17 in the delayed treatment group. The mean follow-up was 56.1 months (18 to 88). The percentage of excellent to good results based on the Mayo elbow performance score was not significantly different, 84% in the early group and 79% in the delayed group. Subjective satisfaction was 92% in both the groups.

One patient in the early group developed chronic regional pain syndrome and another type 4 aseptic loosening. Two elbows in the early group also showed type 1 radiological loosening.

Two patients in the delayed group had an infection, two an ulnar nerve palsy, one developed heterotopic ossification and one type 4 aseptic loosening. Two elbows in this group also showed type 1 radiological loosening. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis for the early and delayed treatment groups was 93% at 88 months and 76% at 84 months, respectively.

No significant difference was found between the two groups.