Outcomes of Mini-Invasive Arthroscopic Arthrolysis Combined with Locking Screw and/or Intramedullary Nail Extraction after Osteosynthesis of the Proximal Humerus Fracture

Data on the effectiveness of arthroscopic arthrolysis and extraction of osteosynthetic material after osteosynthesis of the proximal humerus in patients with persisting problems are rare and insufficient. In this study, we performed arthroscopic arthrolysis and extraction of fixation screws, and, where protruding, extraction of the nail in 34 patients with problems persisting 12 months after osteosynthesis of the proximal humerus using an intramedullary nail. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed using the Constant–Murley shoulder score and forward flexion difference between the treated arm and the contralateral one. A median increase of 16 points in CMS score and 30 degrees reduction in the arm forward flexion difference was recorded 12 months after the arthroscopy. The improvement was significantly higher in the patient group with intramedullary nail extraction (however, this group had worse pre-operative values and the screw was only extracted where likely to cause problems). The median time to heal was 11 weeks; no serious peri- or post-procedural complications occurred. Mini-invasive arthroscopic arthrolysis combined with extraction of osteosynthetic material proved to be a safe and effective method for treatment of patients after osteosynthesis of the proximal humerus using an intramedullary nail with persisting pain and/or mobility limitation.

Functional Outcome of Proximal Humerus Fracture Managed Surgically by Joshi's External Stabilizing System

INTRODUCTION: The ideal management of proximal humerus fracture is still controversial despite various treatment options. Conservative treatment with slab is fraught with shoulder stiffness and malunion while surgical treatment with plates and nail is fraught with infection and blood loss. Therefore, Joshi External Stabilization System (JESS) being a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure can be the ideal treatment for these fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective and observational hospital based study was carried out in Orthopedics Department, Universal College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UCMS-TH) from December 2018 to January 2021. All patients with traumatic proximal humerus fracture who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study and were treated with JESS. Fracture was classified according to Neer classification and functional outcome was assessed according to Constant Murley Score (CMS) system. Post-operatively patients were regularly followed at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in VAS score (p<0.05) measured at six weeks, three months and six months; and CMS (p<0.05) at three months and six months. There was statistically significant difference between fracture type (Neer type) and fracture union (p<0.05). But the association between functional outcome and type of fracture was statically insignificant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Displaced proximal humerus fracture when treated surgically with JESS has good functional and radiological outcome. It produces less pain, less stiffness and greater Range of Motion (ROM).

Core set of unfavorable events of proximal humerus fracture treatment defined by an international Delphi consensus process

Background Proximal humerus fracture (PHF) complications, whether following surgery or nonoperative management, require standardization of definitions and documentation for consistent reporting. We aimed to define an international consensus core event set (CES) of clinically-relevant unfavorable events of PHF to be documented in clinical routine practice and research. Methods A Delphi exercise was implemented with an international panel of experienced shoulder trauma surgeons selected by survey invitation of AO Trauma members. An organized list of PHF events after nonoperative or operative management was developed and reviewed by panel members using on-line surveys. The proposed core set was revised regarding event groups along with definitions, specifications and timing of occurrence. Consensus was reached with at least a two-third agreement. Results The PHF consensus panel was composed of 231 clinicians worldwide who responded to at least one of two completed surveys. There was 93% final agreement about three intraoperative local event groups (device, osteochondral, soft tissue). Postoperative or nonoperative event terms and definitions organized into eight groups (device, osteochondral, shoulder instability, fracture-related infection, peripheral neurological, vascular, superficial soft tissue, deep soft tissue) were approved with 96 to 98% agreement. The time period for documentation ranged from 30 days to 24 months after PHF treatment depending on the event group and specification. The resulting consensus was presented on a paper-based PHF CES documentation form. Conclusions International consensus was achieved on a core set of local unfavorable events of PHF to foster standardization of complication reporting in clinical research and register documentation. Trial registration Not applicable.

Effect of chronic kidney disease on outcomes following proximal humerus fragility fracture surgery in diabetic patients: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Background The proximal humerus fracture (PHF) is the third most common fragility fracture. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are both risks for fragility fractures; however, the interplay of DM and CKD makes treatment outcomes unpredictable. This study aimed to investigate and compare early and late outcomes following proximal humerus fracture fixation surgery in diabetic patients with different renal function conditions. Methods DM patients receiving PHF fixation surgery during 1998–2013 were recruited from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. According to their renal function, patients were divided into three study groups: non-chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-dialysis CKD, and dialysis. Outcomes of interest were early and late perioperative outcomes. Early outcomes included in-hospital newly-onset morbidities. Late outcomes included infection, revision, readmission, and all-cause mortality. Results This study included a total of 10,850 diabetic patients: 2152 had CKD (non-dialysis CKD group), 196 underwent permanent dialysis (dialysis group), and the remaining 8502 did not have CKD (non-CKD group). During a mean follow-up of 5.56 years, the dialysis group showed the highest risk of overall infection, all-cause revision, readmission, and mortality compared to the non-dialysis CKD group and non-CKD group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that CKD patients had a higher risk of surgical infection following PHF surgery than non-CKD patients in cases with a traffic accident or fewer comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI <3) (P for interaction: 0.086 and 0.096, respectively). Also, CKD patients had an even higher mortality risk after PHF surgery than non-CKD patients, in females, those living in higher urbanization areas, or with more comorbidities (CCI ≥3) (P for interaction: 0.011, 0.057, and 0.069, respectively). Conclusion CKD was associated with elevated risks for infection, revision, readmission, and mortality after PHF fixation surgery in diabetic patients. These findings should be taken into consideration when caring for diabetic patients.