Fractures and nonunions of the proximal humerus are increasingly treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The extended deltopectoral approach remains the most widely used for this purpose. However, it provides only limited exposure of the lateral and posterior aspects of the proximal humerus. We have previously described the alternative extended deltoid-splitting approach. In this paper we outline variations and extensions of this technique that we have developed in the management of further patients with these fractures

Aims. A pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (PROFHER) was conducted in United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) hospitals to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of surgery compared with non-surgical treatment for displaced fractures of the proximal humerus involving the surgical neck in adults. . Methods. A cost utility analysis from the NHS perspective was performed. Differences between surgical and non-surgical treatment groups in costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at two years were used to derive an estimate of the cost effectiveness of surgery using regression methods. . Results. Patients randomised to receive surgical intervention accumulated mean greater costs and marginally lower QALYs than patients randomised to non-surgery. The surgical intervention cost a mean of £1758 more per patient (95% confidence intervals (CI) £1126 to £2389). Total QALYs for the surgical group were smaller than those for non-surgery -0.0101 (95% CI -0.13 to 0.11). The probability of surgery being cost effective was less than 10% given the current NICE willingness to pay at a threshold of £20 000 for an additional QALY. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses. Discussion. The results suggest that current surgical treatment is not cost effective for the majority of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus involving the surgical neck in the United Kingdom’s NHS. Take home message: The results of this trial do not support the trend of increased surgical treatment for patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus involving the surgical neck within the United Kingdom NHS. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:152–9

Title. 3D distribution of cortical bone thickness in the proximal humerus, implications for fracture management. Introduction. CT imaging is commonly used to gain a better understanding of proximal humerus fractures. the operating surgeon however has a limited capacity to evaluate the internal bone geometry from these clinical CT images. our aim was to use clinical CT in a novel way of accurately mapping cortical bone geometry in the proximal humerus. we planned to experimentally define the cortico-cancellous border in a cadaveric study and use CT imaging software to map out cortical thickness distribution in our specimens. Methodology. With ethical approval we used fifteen fresh frozen human proximal humeri. These were stripped of all soft tissue and transverse CT images taken with a GE VCT Lightspeed scanner. The humeral heads were then subsequently resected to allow access to the methaphyseal area. Using currettes, cancellous bone was removed down to hard cortical bone. Another set of CT images of the reamed specimen were then taken. Using Mimics imaging software[Materialise, Leuven] and a CAD interface, 3-matic [Materialise, Leuven], we built 3D model representations of our intact and reamed specimens. We first had to define an accurate CT density threshold for visualising cortical contours. We then analysed cortical thickness distribution based on that experimented threshold. Results. we were able to statistically determine the CT threshold, in Hounsfield Units, that represents the cortico-cancellous interface in the proximal humerus. Our 3D colour models provide an accurate depiction of the distribution of cortical thickness in the proximal humerus. Discussion/Conclusions. Our Hounsfield value for the cortico-cancellous interface in the proximal humerus agrees with a similar range of 400 to 800 HU reported in the literature for the proximal femur. Knowledge of regional variations in cortical bone thickness has direct implications for basic science studies on osteoporosis and its treatment, but is also important for the orthopaedic surgeon since our decision for treatment options is often guided by local bone quality

Aims. The aims of this study were to estimate the cost of surgical treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus using a micro-costing methodology, contrast this cost with the national reimbursement tariff and establish the major determinants of cost. Methods. A detailed inpatient treatment pathway was constructed using semi-structured interviews with 32 members of hospital staff. Its content validity was established through a Delphi panel evaluation. Costs were calculated using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) and sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the determinants of cost. Results. The mean cost of the different surgical treatments was estimated to be £3282. Although this represented a profit of £1138 against the national tariff, hemiarthroplasty as a treatment choice resulted in a net loss of £952. Choice of implant and theatre staffing were the largest cost drivers. Operating theatre delays of more than one hour resulted in a loss of income. Discussion. Our findings indicate that the national tariff does not accurately represent the cost of treatment for this condition. Effective use of the operating theatre and implant discounting are likely to be more effective cost containment approaches than control of bed-day costs. Take home message: This cost analysis of fractures of the proximal humerus reinforces the limitations of the national tariff within the English National Health Service, and underlines the importance of effective use of the operating theatre, as well as appropriate implant procurement where controlling costs of treatment is concerned. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:249–59

In 42 elderly patients, 33 women and nine men with a mean age of 72 years, we treated displaced fractures of the proximal humerus (34 three-part, 8 four-part) using a blade plate and a standard deltopectoral approach. Functional treatment was started immediately after surgery. We reviewed 41 patients at one year and 38 at final follow-up at 3.4 years (2.4 to 4.5). At the final review, all the fractures had healed. The clinical results were graded as excellent in 13 patients, good in 17, fair in seven, and poor in one. The median Constant score was 73 ± 18. Avascular necrosis of the humeral head occurred in two patients (5%). We conclude that rigid fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus with a blade plate in the elderly patient provides sufficient primary stability to allow early functional treatment. The incidence of avascular necrosis and nonunion was low. Restoration of the anatomy and biomechanics may contribute to a good functional outcome when compared with alternative methods of fixation or conservative treatment. Regardless of the age of the patients, we advocate primary open reduction and rigid internal fixation of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus

In this study, we describe a morphological classification for greater tuberosity fractures of the proximal humerus. We divided these fractures into three types: avulsion, split and depression. We retrospectively reviewed all shoulder radiographs showing isolated greater tuberosity fractures in a Level I trauma centre between July 2007 and July 2012. We identified 199 cases where records and radiographs were reviewed and included 79 men and 120 women with a mean age of 58 years (23 to 96). The morphological classification was applied to the first 139 cases by three reviewers on two occasions using the Kappa statistic and compared with the AO and Neer classifications. The inter- and intra-observer reliability of the morphological classification was 0.73 to 0.77 and 0.69 to 0.86, respectively. This was superior to the Neer (0.31 to 0.35/0.54 to 0.63) and AO (0.30 to 0.32/0.59 to 0.65) classifications. The distribution of avulsion, split and depression type fractures was 39%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. This classification of greater tuberosity fractures is more reliable than the Neer or AO classifications. These distinct fracture morphologies are likely to have implications in terms of pathophysiology and surgical technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:646–51

The surgical treatment of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in osteoporotic bone is difficult and there is no consensus as to which technique leads to the best outcome in elderly patients. Between 1998 and 2004 we treated 76 patients aged over 70 years with three- or four-part fractures by percutaneous reduction and internal fixation using the Humerusblock. A displacement of the tuberosity of > 5 mm and an angulation of > 30° of the head fragment were the indications for surgery. Of the patients 50 (51 fractures) were available for follow-up after a mean of 33.8 months (5.8 to 81). The absolute, age-related and side-related Constant scores were recorded. Of the 51 fractures, 46 (90.2%) healed primarily. Re-displacement of fragments or migration of Kirschner wires was seen in five cases. Necrosis of the humeral head developed in four patients. In three patients a secondary arthroplasty had to be performed, in two because of re-displacement and in one for necrosis of the head. There was one case of deep infection which required a further operation and one of delayed healing. The mean Constant score of the patients with a three-part fracture was 61.2 points (35 to 87) which was 84.9% of the score for the non-injured arm. In four-part fractures it was 49.5 points (18 to 87) or 68.5% of the score for the non-injured arm. The Humerusblock technique can provide a comfortable and mobile shoulder in elderly patients and is a satisfactory alternative to replacement and traditional techniques of internal fixation

We have undertaken a five-year prospective study of 126 translated two-part fractures of the proximal humerus and present an analysis of the epidemiology and of the factors which affect outcome in elderly patients. The fracture has a unimodal age distribution and rarely affects adults under the age of 50 years. Analysis showed that patients with two-part translated fractures of the surgical neck tended to be independent and relatively fit, despite the fact that their mean age was 72 years. Outcome was determined by the age of each patient and the degree of translation on the initial anteroposterior radiograph. Surgery did not improve the outcome, regardless of the degree of translation

Introduction. There is considerable uncertainty about the optimal treatment of displaced four-part fractures of the proximal humerus. Within the last decade locking plate technology has been considered a breakthrough in the treatment of these complex injuries. Methods. We systematically identified and reviewed clinical studies of the benefits and harms after osteosynthesis with locking plates in displaced four-part fractures. Results. We included fourteen studies with 374 four-part fractures. There were no randomised trials, one prospective observational comparative study, three retrospective observational comparative studies, and ten case series. Small studies with a high risk of bias precluded reliable estimates of functional outcome. Unexpected high rates of complications (range 16% to 64%) and re-operations (range 11% to 27%) were reported. Conclusion. The empirical foundation for the clinical value of locking plates in displaced four-part fractures of the proximal humerus is very sketchy. We emphasise the need for well conducted randomised trials and observational studies

Secure fixation of displaced proximal fractures of the humerus is a challenging problem. A total of 32 patients with acutely displaced three- or four-part proximal fractures of the humerus were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. There were 23 women and nine men with a mean age of 59.9 years (18 to 87). Data were collected prospectively and the outcomes were assessed using the Constant score. The mean follow-up was for 11 months (3 to 24). In 31 patients (97%) the fracture united clinically and radiologically at a mean of 10 weeks (8 to 24). The mean Constant score at final review was 66.5 (30 to 92). There was no significant difference in outcome when comparing patients aged more than 60 years (18 patients) with those aged less than 60 years (14 patients) (t-test, p = 0.8443). There was one case each of nonunion, malunion and a broken screw in the elderly population. This plate provides an alternative method of fixation for fractures of the proximal humerus. It provides a stable fixation in young patients with good-quality bone sufficient to permit early mobilisation. Failure of the screws to maintain fixation in the elderly remains a problem

Untreated 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus have a poor functional outcome. Open operation increases the risk of avascular necrosis and percutaneous reduction and fixation may be preferable. We report 27 patients, 9 with 3-part and 18 with 4-part fractures, treated by percutaneous reduction and screw fixation. Thirteen of the 4-part fractures were of the valgus type with no significant lateral displacement of the articular segment, and five showed significant shift. Instruments were introduced into the fracture through small incisions so that the fragments could be manoeuvred under the control of an image intensifier, taking advantage of ligamentotaxis as far as possible. A good reduction was achieved in most cases. The average follow-up was 24 months (18 to 47). All the 3-part fractures showed good to very good functional results, with an average Constant score of 91% (84% to 100%), and no signs of avascular necrosis. Good radiological results were achieved in 4-part fractures when impacted in valgus except for one patient with partial avascular necrosis of the head. In those with lateral displacement of the head, revision to a prosthesis was required in one patient because of avascular necrosis and in another because of secondary redisplacement of the fracture. Avascular necrosis was seen in 11% of 4-part fractures. The average Constant score in patients with 4-part fractures who did not need further operation was 87% (75% to 100%)

Introduction. A review of the literature showed a discrepancy between biomechanical and clinical studies on fracture fixation failure in patients with poor bone quality. The objective of the present study is to assess the influence of local bone status on complications after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Methods. A prospective cohort study was initiated in 2007. The inclusion criteria were closed displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, primary fracture treatment with a Philos plate, patients aged 50 to 90, normal pre-trauma function of both shoulders in accordance to age, and monotrauma. There was active follow-up for one year with radiological assessment at clinical centers from four countries. Bone quality at the proximal humerus was determined preoperatively for the contralateral side of the fracture by CT scan, and at the contralateral radius within six weeks post-surgery by DXA. The occurrence of complications was monitored up to one year post-surgery. Independent x-ray evaluation and final classification of all complications will be performed at the end by a study review board using anonymous data and x-rays. Preliminary Results. 157 patients, 127 female (79%) met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age at time of surgery is 69 (range 50–89). 119 patients (100%) attended the 1-year follow-up assessment, 64 (96%) the one at 3 months, and 148 (99%) the 6 week follow-up examination. According to the WHO criteria, 107 patients (71%) suffered from either osteopenia or osteoporosis, while 43 patients (29%) had a normal T-score. The overall reported complication rate was 39%. However, the number of intraoperative complications was 0.6%, bone/fracture complications 19.1%, implant complications 15.3%, and general complications 14.6%. Discussion. Fixation of proximal humerus fractures with Philos plates in elderly people with osteoporotic bone is associated with a high rate of fixation failure. Final results will be reported after x-rays, local BMD (CT- based) and complications assessment have been conducted

We report a retrospective review of outcome after shoulder hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. All patients managed with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures between 1997 and 2008 were included. Clinical notes were reviewed and surviving patients completed postal Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) questionnaires. Results were analysed to assess whether there was a difference in outcome for those above the age of 70 years. A total of 96 patients were treated during this period. Female to male ratio was 3.36:1 with mean age 72 ± 9.6 (45–93) years at time of fracture. At time of review 30.2% of patients were dead. Two patients were lost to follow-up after discharge. Complete case notes were available in 68 patients. Response rate to the OSS was 67.2%. There were 20 patients below 70 years and 48 patients above 70 years of age. The ASA grade was II in 60% of patients. Mean follow-up was 52 months. There were 2 in hospital post-operative deaths due to medical complications. Mean OSS was 27 (3–47) of a maximum of 48, with no significant difference between groups. Overall complication rate was 27.9%, with no significant difference between groups. Ten year survival was 96.9% overall with no significant difference between groups. There appears to be no significant difference in functional outcome, complication rate, or implant survival between patients below or above the age of 70 years treated with primary hemiarthroplasty for fracture of the proximal humerus. This procedure however carries a high complication rate in this group of patients

We evaluated the impact of stereo-visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering CT datasets on the inter- and intraobserver reliability assessed by kappa values on the AO/OTA and Neer classifications in the assessment of proximal humeral fractures. Four independent observers classified 40 fractures according to the AO/OTA and Neer classifications using plain radiographs, two-dimensional CT scans and with stereo-visualised three-dimensional volume-rendering reconstructions. Both classification systems showed moderate interobserver reliability with plain radiographs and two-dimensional CT scans. Three-dimensional volume-rendered CT scans improved the interobserver reliability of both systems to good. Intraobserver reliability was moderate for both classifications when assessed by plain radiographs. Stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume rendering improved intraobserver reliability to good for the AO/OTA method and to excellent for the Neer classification. These data support our opinion that stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering datasets is of value when analysing and classifying complex fractures of the proximal humerus

Background. In elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures and osteoporotic bone reconstruction is not always possible. Although hemiarthroplasty is an alternative, non-union or tuberosity migration can lead to inferior functional results. Implantation of a Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) seems to be an interesting alternative. In the present study we retrospectively analyzed the short-term results of RTSA for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Methods. From 31.10.2005 to 20.07.2010 RTSA was performed in 29 patients (average age 80 years [67;90], 25 women, 4 man) with subcapital, three- or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus as a primary treatment. All procedures were performed using the Anatomical Inverse Shoulder (Zimmer) with fracture stem. A deltopectoral approach was used in every case with reattachment of the tuberosities. Pain, range of motion, subjected shoulder value (SSV) as well as the Constant score (CS) were used to evaluate shoulder function. Implant positioning and signs of loosening were analyzed on standard x-rays. Results. Included were 23 patients with a minimal follow-up of 12 month. The average follow-up was 17 month (12 month to 5 years). The mean SSV was 81% [40;100]. The absolute CS averaged 67 points [34;84] and the relative CS 97% [52;139]. The mean pain score (VAS) was 13.7 of 15, the mean activity score 18.4 of 20, the mean mobility score 28.6 of 40 and the mean strength score 5.1 of 25. The mean active anterior elevation was 130° [80;160], the mean active abduction 128° [80;170] and the mean active external rotation in 0° abduction 21° [-30;70]. All patients reached the same activity level as before surgery and could return to independent living. The results after 12 month were already comparable to those after 24 month (10 patients). Radiographically no signs of loosening were detected. There was a total of 3 complications and reoperations, two due to a hematoma and one because of a periprosthetic fracture. Conclusions. In elderly patients with complex proximal humerus fractures and osteoporotic bone RTSA seems to be a very satisfactory procedure. The short-term clinical results are excellent and predictable with a rapid postoperative recovery of daily comfort. The complication rate is low and acceptable

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with limitations in function, measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), six to nine months after a proximal humeral fracture, from a range of demographic, injury, psychological, and social variables measured within a week and two to four weeks after injury.

Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures with angular stable plates is, beside antegrade nailing of the humerus, a standard procedure. A retrograde nail has been developed to avoid penetrating the rotator cuff and to avoid opening the fracture side during osteosynthesis.

The aim of our biomechanical study was to evaluate if retrograde nailing of proximal humerus fractures is as stable as locking plate osteosynthesis.

The biomechanical properties of 2 implants were tested in 11 human fresh frozen cadaveric humeri pairs. The Retron Nail® and the Philos® plate were implanted after osteotomy. All specimens were suspected to axial and torque load for 1000 cycles in a servo pneumatic testing apparatus.

The Philos® plate had greater torsion stiffness than the Retron® nail, but we found no significance. The Retron® nail had greater axial stiffness but our findings were not statistically significant.

Our study showed, that there are no significant differences between a retrograde nail and locking plate osteosynthesis for proximal humerus fractures concerning axial and torsion deformities. Therefore the retrograde nail is a suitable alternative for fixation of proximal humerus fracture.

Aims

The PROximal Fracture of the Humerus Evaluation by Randomisation (PROFHER) randomised clinical trial compared the operative and non-operative treatment of adults with a displaced fracture of the proximal humerus involving the surgical neck. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term treatment effects beyond the two-year follow-up.

We used an inverted shoulder arthroplasty in 43 consecutive patients with a mean age of 78 years (65 to 97) who had sustained a three- or four-part fracture of the upper humerus. All except two were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 22 months (6 to 58).

The clinical outcome was satisfactory with a mean active anterior elevation of 97° (35° to 160°) and a mean active external rotation in abduction of 30° (0° to 80°). The mean Constant and the mean modified Constant scores were respectively 44 (16 to 69) and 66% (25% to 97%). Complications included three patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy, five with neurological complications, most of which resolved, and one with an anterior dislocation. Radiography showed peri-prosthetic calcification in 36 patients (90%), displacement of the tuberosities in 19 (53%) and a scapular notch in ten (25%). Compared with conventional hemiarthroplasty, satisfactory mobility was obtained despite frequent migration of the tuberosities. However, long-term results are required before reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be recommended as a routine procedure in complex fractures of the upper humerus in the elderly.

Existing classifications of fractures of the head of the humerus are inadequate in terms of interobserver reliability and the predictability of the clinical outcome. From a combined study of 73 fracture specimens in museums and 84 CT-three-dimensional reconstructions in patients, we have devised a classification which appears to be more useful clinically. Common patterns of fracture and a plausible mechanism of injury were observed.

In 3-D most proximal humeral fractures can be organised into five basic types. These correspond in some degree to the Codman/Neer classification, but differ significantly in regard to the more complex patterns of fracture. We observed a logical progression from simple to complex fractures. An interobserver reliability study was carried out which indicated the improved usefulness of this new 3-D concept in providing a common language among clinicians for classifying these injuries. When surgery is indicated, the 3-D concept is also invaluable in guiding the restitution of anatomy through either open or percutaneous means.