Glenohumeral joint dislocation is rare in children with proximal humeral fractures: a descriptive study and literature review

Abstract Background Glenohumeral dislocation combined with fracture of the proximal humerus is extremely rare in children, and this study aims to investigate its incidence in the pediatric population and review the treatment strategy for this condition. Methods Between Jan 2014 and Jan 2019, 280 patients with unilateral proximal humeral fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging and follow-up notes were reviewed for patients with a predilection for glenohumeral joint dislocation. Six (2.14%) patients between the ages of 5 and 10 years were confirmed as glenohumeral joint dislocation and included in the study. All these patients underwent closed reduction and external fixation under general anesthesia. Results Out of 280 patients with proximal humeral fractures, only 6 patients, including 4 males and 2 females, were confirmed as glenohumeral joint dislocation. ROM was normal compared with the contralateral shoulder in every patient at the last follow-up. There was no case of radiological abnormality, including avascular necrosis or devascularization of the humeral head. Conclusions Glenohumeral dislocation is a rare entity associated with the proximal humerus fracture in children, with an overall incidence in our case series was 2.14%. Reduction and stabilization of such injury using an external fixator is a suitable choice for pediatric patients that failed closed reduction.

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No incidence of glenohumeral joint dislocation in a review of 220 paediatric proximal humerus fractures

Journal of Children s Orthopaedics ◽

10.1302/1863-2548.12.180075 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 493-496 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G. Nelson ◽

C. Brown ◽

R. W. Liu

Keyword(s):

Shoulder Dislocation ◽

Proximal Humerus Fracture ◽

Proximal Humerus ◽

Glenohumeral Joint ◽

Humerus Fracture ◽

Proximal Humerus Fractures ◽

Joint Dislocation ◽

Humerus Fractures ◽

Glenohumeral Dislocation

Purpose Proximal humerus fractures in adults are approached with a high suspicion for potential associated glenohumeral dislocation. Axillary views of the shoulder can be painful and possibly even lead to dynamic angulation of the proximal humerus fracture. The incidence of associated glenohumeral dislocation in the paediatric population is unclear and it would be useful to determine whether children with proximal humerus fracture require specific axillary view imaging to rule out dislocation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 220 proximal humerus fractures in 218 total children. Imaging and follow-up clinic notes were reviewed for potential glenohumeral dislocation. Results Average patient age was 9.8 years SD 3.8 with 55% of the patients male and a wide variety of mechanisms of injury. None of the 220 fractures evaluated showed radiographic evidence of a shoulder dislocation, and all 218 children had a follow-up appointment at least 21 days after the injury without any clinical concern of a missed shoulder dislocation. Conclusion No paediatric patients presenting with proximal humerus fractures had a corresponding glenohumeral joint dislocation in our relatively large series. We recommend obtaining this additional imaging only in cases with higher energy mechanisms, if there is suspicion of subluxation or dislocation on anteroposterior and scapular-Y views or if there is clinical concern. Level of Evidence Level III Diagnostic

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Plate Fixation for Irreducible Proximal Humeral Fractures in Children and Adolescents—A Single-Center Case Series of Six Patients

Children ◽

10.3390/children8080635 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 635

Author(s):

Florian Freislederer ◽

Susanne Bensler ◽

Thomas Specht ◽

Olaf Magerkurth ◽

Karim Eid

Keyword(s):

Closed Reduction ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Constant Murley Score ◽

Fractures In Children ◽

Initial Surgery ◽

Conjoint Tendon

Background: Recommended treatment for severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children is the closed reduction and percutaneous fixation by K-wires or intramedullary nailing. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2017 6, 21 children/adolescents (range 8 to 16 years) with proximal humeral fractures were treated surgically for severe displacement. In these six patients, several attempts of closed reduction were unsuccessful, and an open reduction was performed. The humeral head was fixed with a 3.5 mm T-plate without affecting the growth plate. Plate removal was performed at a mean interval of 132 days after initial surgery. Two years after initial surgery, the clinical outcome was assessed by the Constant–Murley score and QuickDASH score (including sport/music and work) and the shoulder joint was evaluated with a standardized sonographic examination for the rotator cuff and the conjoint tendon. Results: In all six patients, dorsal displacement of the fracture was irreducible due to the interposition of tendinous or osseous structures. Intraoperatively, the interposed structures were the long biceps tendon in two, periosteal tissue in two, a bony fragment in one, and the long biceps tendon together with the conjoint tendon in one case. At mean follow-up of 26 months (range 22 months to 29 months), patients showed very good clinical results with an excellent mean Constant–Murley score of 97.5 (range 91 to 100) and mean QuickDASH score (including sport/music and work) of 5.5 (range 0–20.8). An X-ray follow-up 6 weeks after surgery demonstrated early consolidation and correct alignment in all patients. A sonographic evaluation at 2 years post injury showed that the biceps and the conjoined tendon were intact in all patients. Conclusions: If a proximal humeral fracture is not reducible by closed means, a tissue entrapment (most likely biceps tendon) should be considered. Treatment with an open reduction and plate fixation yields very good clinical and radiological results and preserves interposed structures as the biceps and conjoint tendon.

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Assessment of the restriction of arm elevation after intramedullary fixation for proximal humeral fractures

Shoulder & Elbow ◽

10.1177/1758573216687265 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 100-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hiroaki Inui ◽

Katsuya Nobuhara

Keyword(s):

Glenohumeral Joint ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Bony Union ◽

Greater Tuberosity ◽

Zero Position ◽

Maximum Elevation ◽

Entry Points ◽

Arm Elevation

Background Nail protrusion is suspected as a reason for the restriction of arm elevation after antegrade nailing of proximal humeral fractures, although assessment of the restriction of the glenohumeral joint during arm elevation has been insufficient. Methods In this retrospective study, 30 shoulders with proximal humeral fractures in 29 cases were treated with Polarus short nails (Acumed, Beaverton, OR, USA). At a mean final follow-up of 14 months, clinical outcomes, bony union, alignment including retroversion of the head and entry points of the nails were evaluated. The ability of a subject to achieve maximum elevation above the zero position was also evaluated. Results Constant and Japanese Shoulder Association scores were a mean (SD) of 54 (12) and 71 (8.9) points, respectively. Even though all cases achieved bony union without mal-alignment of the head and greater tuberosity height or protrusion of the nail at its entry point, only six subjects could achieve maximum elevation above the zero position. Conclusions Based on these findings, treatment of proximal humeral fractures with an antegrade humeral nail inserted from the top of the humeral head results in restricted arm elevation, even in patients without nail protrusion or fragment malalignment.

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Functional outcome in displaced proximal humeral fractures in adults treated by proximal humeral locking plates

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20195813 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 178

Author(s):

N. V. Narasimha Rao ◽

K. Ravi Kanth ◽

Rama Priya Yasam ◽

T. Jaya Chandra

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Proximal Humerus ◽

Shoulder Function ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Medical College ◽

Score Improvement ◽

Average Improvement

Background: The management of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) is a challenging task to any surgeon. Study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of the proximal humeral internal locking system in fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures.Methods: Study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics, GSL Medical College. Informed written consent was taken from the study participants. All skeletally mature patients aged >18 years, presenting with displaced PHF according to Neer two, three and four part fracture were included in the study. Either deltopectoral or deltoid splitting approach was used for surgery, post-operative rehabilitation was started on day one.Results: Twenty-five patients with PHF were enrolled in the study; five-holed proximal humerus locking plate (PHLP) was used for 18 patients, eight-holed PHLP for 05 and three-holed, ten-holed PHLP for 01 for one each. The Constant-Murley score was significantly improved (p=0.000) over each successive follow-up period with the average improvement of around 19 scores between 1st and 2nd follow-up and around 15 score improvement between 2nd and 3rd follow-up.Conclusions: The proximal humeral locking plate is an adequate device for the fixation of displaced two-part, three-part and four-part PHF. Patient can regain good shoulder function, resume normal activities much earlier.

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Radiological correlation with functional outcome in displaced proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plates: a prospective study of 35 cases

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20181801 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 471

Author(s):

Neetin Pralhad Mahajan ◽

Nikhil Dilip Palange ◽

Eknath D. Pawar ◽

Hitesh Jivrajbhai Mangukiya ◽

Ujwal Suryabhan Ramteke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prospective Study ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Proximal Humerus ◽

External Rotation ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Locking Plates ◽

Range Of Movement ◽

Maximum Improvement

Background: The objective of this prospective study is to investigate the relationship between the functional outcome and the radiographic results of two-, three- and four part proximal humeral fractures treated with open reduction and fixation with PHILOS locking plate.Methods: 35 patients (30 males and 5 females) with displaced proximal humerus fracture were treated with PHILOS plating and studied prospectively. According to Neer’s classification there were 16 two part fracture (45%), 15 three part fracture (42%) and 4 four part fracture (13%). The healing of fracture, head shaft angle (HSA) and complications were evaluated radiologically with plain radiographs whereas the functional outcome was assessed by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery.Results: In our study, patients treated with locking plates had mean forward flexion of 123°, abduction of 124°, mean external rotation of 30° and internal rotation 53° at 1 year follow-up. Maximum improvement in range of movement occurred between interval of 12 weeks to 24 weeks due to complete fracture union occurred approximately up to 12 weeks. The mean SPADI score at end of 1 year were 10.22, 10.38 and 10.20 for two, three and four part fractures respectively. Average postoperative and follow-up HSA's were 134.1±4.4 and 132.5±1.2 degrees, respectively. Varus progression was more prominent in patients with postoperative HSA <130 (p<0.001). Complications included impingement in 1 case, joint penetration by screw in 1 case, failure of fixation in 1 case and infection in 1 case.Conclusions: Fixed angle locked plate is an extremely useful implant for reconstruction and salvage of proximal humeral fractures. Precise surgical technique, stable fracture fixation and restoration of anatomical reduction are absolutely necessary for improved outcome.

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The Humelock Hemiarthoplasty Device for Both Primary and Failed Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Case Series

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001509010001 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Ikram A ◽

Singh J ◽

Jagarnauth S ◽

Khan W.S ◽

Hambidge J

Keyword(s):

Proximal Humerus ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Case Series ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

District General Hospital ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Complex Case ◽

Proximal Humerus Fractures ◽

Humerus Fractures

Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 4-5% of all fractures. Managing proximal humerus fractures operatively and non-operatively have their respective complications both short- and long-term. We present our experience using the Humelock hemiarthoplasty device for both primary and failed management of proximal humeral fractures. We present four different examples from ten cases that include a failure of internal fixation, a failure of intramedullary nailing, a complex case in a patient with multiple co-morbidities, and a failure of nonoperative management. The patients in our series had multiple injuries and the device allowed early mobilization and produced good results. We suggest that this device has a role in the failure of primary and secondary management of proximal humeral fractures in a district general hospital setting.

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Stable osteosynthesis of cage in cage technique for surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures

BMC Surgery ◽

10.1186/s12893-021-01235-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jiantao Li ◽

Yuan Gao ◽

Caixia Yin ◽

Hao Zhang ◽

Shaobo Nie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Stability ◽

Humeral Fracture ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Dash Score ◽

Peek Cage ◽

Polyether Ether Ketone ◽

Stable Osteosynthesis ◽

Long Term Follow Up

Abstract Background The treatment of a displaced proximal humeral fracture is still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes at a long-term follow-up after fixation augmentation using peek (polyether-ether-ketone) cage and locking compression plate (LCP). Methods A total of 27 patients (average age 53.8 years, range 19–86 years) were treated with peek cage and LCP. All of them had a minimum radiographic and clinical follow-up of 1 years. Outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score (CMS), disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Complications were also recorded during follow-up. Results The average follow-up was 28 months (range 12–48 months). The mean functional outcomes were as follows: CMS, 73.3 (range 61–86); DASH, 45.9 (range 27–68). A total of 4 patients had complications: osteonecrosis developed in one patient, loss of reduction was observed in 1 patient and stiffness was occurred in two patients. Conclusion The use of peek cage and LCP has been a valuable option in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The complication rate was acceptable. Suitable void filler in the proximal humerus for reconstructing the medial column integrity attains mechanical stability in reducing the incidence of the complications.

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Effect of childhood overweight on distal metaphyseal radius fractures treated by closed reduction

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02336-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yu Liu ◽

Chunjie Liu ◽

Dongmei Guo ◽

Ning Wang ◽

Ying Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Surgical Treatment ◽

Conservative Treatment ◽

Closed Reduction ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Medical Community ◽

Overweight Children ◽

Radius Fractures

Abstract Background The medical community has recognized overweight as an epidemic negatively affecting a large proportion of the pediatric population, but few studies have been performed to investigate the relationship between overweight and failure of conservative treatment for distal radius fractures (DRFs). This study was performed to investigate the effect of overweight on the outcome of conservative treatment for DRFs in children. Methods We performed a retrospective study of children with closed displaced distal metaphyseal radius fractures in our hospital from January 2015 to May 2020. Closed reduction was initially performed; if closed reduction failed, surgical treatment was performed. Patients were followed up regularly after treatment, and redisplacement was diagnosed on the basis of imaging findings. Potential risk factors for redisplacement were collected and analyzed. Results In total, 142 children were included in this study. The final reduction procedure failed in 21 patients, all of whom finally underwent surgical treatment. The incidences of failed final reduction and fair reduction were significantly higher in the overweight/obesity group than in the normal-weight group (P = 0.046 and P = 0.041, respectively). During follow-up, 32 (26.4%) patients developed redisplacement after closed reduction and cast immobilization. The three risk factors associated with the incidence of redisplacement were overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR), 2.149; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.320–3.498], an associated ulnar fracture (OR, 2.127; 95% CI, 1.169–3.870), and a three-point index of ≥ 0.40 (OR, 3.272; 95% CI, 1.975–5.421). Conclusions Overweight increases the risk of reduction failure and decreases the reduction effect. Overweight children were two times more likely to develop redisplacement than normal-weight children in the present study. Thus, overweight children may benefit from stricter clinical follow-up and perhaps a lower threshold for surgical intervention.

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Ten-year follow-up of stemmed hemiarthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures

The Bone & Joint Journal ◽

10.1302/0301-620x.103b6.bjj-2020-1753.r1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 103-B (6) ◽

pp. 1063-1069

Author(s):

Alexander Amundsen ◽

Stig Brorson ◽

Bo S. Olsen ◽

Jeppe V. Rasmussen

Keyword(s):

Revision Rate ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Cumulative Revision Rate

Aims There is no consensus on the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Hemiarthroplasty has been widely used in patients when non-surgical treatment is not possible. There is, despite extensive use, limited information about the long-term outcome. Our primary aim was to report ten-year patient-reported outcome after hemiarthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures. The secondary aims were to report the cumulative revision rate and risk factors for an inferior patient-reported outcome. Methods We obtained data on 1,371 hemiarthroplasties for acute proximal humeral fractures from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry between 2006 and 2010. Of these, 549 patients (40%) were alive and available for follow-up. The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) questionnaire was sent to all patients at nine to 14 years after primary surgery. Revision rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for an inferior WOOS score were analyzed using the linear regression model. Results Mean age at surgery was 67 years (24 to 90) and 445 (81%) patients were female. A complete questionnaire was returned by 364 (66%) patients at a mean follow-up of 10.6 years (8.8 to 13.8). Mean WOOS score was 64 (4.3 to 100.0). There was no correlation between WOOS scores and age, sex, arthroplasty brand, or year of surgery. The 14-year cumulative revision rate was 5.7% (confidence interval 4.1 to 7.2). Patients aged younger than 55 years and patients aged between 55 to 74 years had 5.6-times (2.0 to 9.3) and 4.3-times (1.9 to 16.7) higher risk of revision than patients aged older than 75 years, respectively. Conclusion This is the largest long-term follow-up study of acute proximal humeral fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty. We found a low revision rate and an acceptable ten-year patient-reported outcome. The patient-reported outcome should be interpreted with caution as we have no information about the patients who died or did not return a complete WOOS score. The long-term outcome and revision rate suggest that hemiarthroplasty offers a valid alternative when non-surgical treatment is not possible. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1063–1069.

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Least possible fixation techniques of 4-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus: a systematic review

Orthopedic Reviews ◽

10.4081/or.2016.6211 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Andreas Panagopoulos ◽

Irini Tatani ◽

Dimitrios Ntourantonis ◽

Ioannis Seferlis ◽

Antonis Kouzelis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Avascular Necrosis ◽

Proximal Humerus ◽

Constant Score ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Case Series ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Operation Rate ◽

Fixation Techniques

The valgus-impacted (VI) 4-part fractures are a subset of fractures of the proximal humerus with a unique anatomic configuration characterized by a relatively lower incidence of avascular necrosis after operative intervention. We systematically reviewed clinical studies assessing the benefits and harms of least possible fixation techniques (LPFT) for this unique fracture type. Such information would be potentially helpful in developing an evidence-based approach in the management of these complex injuries. We performed analytic searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library, restricting it to the years 1991-2014. Included studies had to describe outcomes and complications after primary osteosynthesis with any type of LPFT apart from plate-screws and intramedullary nailing. Eligibility criteria were also included English language, more than 5 cases, minimum follow up of one year and report of clinical outcome using at least one relevant score (Constant, Neer or ASES). Based on 292 database hits we identified 12 eligible studies including 190 four-part valgus impacted fractures in 188 patients. All eligible studies were case series composed of min 8 to max 45 patients per study. The gender distribution was 60% (112) female and 40% (76) male. The average age of the patients at the time of injury was 54.5 years. In 8/12 studies an open reduction was used for fracture fixation using different surgical techniques including KW, cerclage wires, cannulated screws and osteosutures. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was used in 4 studies. Mean follow-up time ranged from 24 to 69 months. A good functional outcome (constant score >80) was reported in 9/12 studies. The most common complication was avascular necrosis of the humeral head with an overall incidence of 11% (range, 0-26.3%). Total avascular necrosis (AVN) was found in 15/188 patients (7.9%) and was more common in percutaneous techniques and partial AVN in 6/188 (3.1%) being more common in open techniques. The overall re-operation rate was very low (3.7%). Insufficient study designs cannot provide definite treatment recommendations and quantitative data synthesis of outcome. In general, LPFT for 4-part VI fractures leads to satisfactory outcomes with low incidence of complications. A considerable risk of biases can be attributed to fracture classification, proper radiological control, mean age of patients, mixed types of fixation methods, nonage adjusted clinical scoring and small follow up periods. These factors are discussed in detail. Level of evidence: systematic review of literature (level IV) as most of the studies were level IV.

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