Lateral versus posterior surgical approach for the treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Supracondylar humeral fracture (SHF) is the most common type of fracture in children. Moreover, lateral and posterior surgical approaches are the most frequently chosen approaches for open reduction surgery in displaced SHF when C-arm is unavailable. However, previous literature showed mixed findings regarding functional and cosmetic outcomes. Currently, no systematic review and meta-analysis has compared these two procedures. Methods: Our protocol was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021213763). We conducted a comprehensive electronic database search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Two independent reviewers screened the title and abstract, followed by full-text reading and study selection based on eligibility criteria. The quality of the selected studies was analyzed with the ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analysis was carried out to compare the range of motion (functional outcome) and cosmetic outcome according to Flynn’s criteria. This systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA and Cochrane handbook guidelines. Results: Our initial search yielded 163 studies, from which we included five comparative studies comprising 231 children in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The lateral approach was more likely to result in excellent (OR 1.69, 95% CI [0.97-2.93]) and good (OR 1.12, 95% CI [0.61-2.04]) functional outcomes and less likely to result in fair (OR 0.84, 95% CI [0.34-2.13]) and poor (OR 0.42, 95% CI [0.1-1.73]) functional outcomes compared to the posterior approach. In terms of cosmetic results, both approaches showed mixed findings. The lateral approach was more likely to result in excellent (OR 1.11, 95% CI [0.61-2.02]) and fair (OR 1.18, 95% CI [0.49-2.80]) but less likely to result in good (OR 0.79, 95% CI [0.40-1.55]) cosmetic outcomes. However, none of these analyses were statistically significant (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Lateral and posterior surgical approaches resulted in satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. The two approaches are comparable for treating SHF in children when evaluated with Flynn’s criteria.

The proximal humeral locking plate positioning to the pectoralis major tendon in achieving the proper calcar screw location: a cadaveric study

Background Proximal humeral fracture is the third most common of osteoporotic fracture. Most surgical cases were treated by fixation with anatomical locking plate system. The calcar screw plays a role in medial support and improving varus stability. Proximal humerus fracture in elderly patients are commonly seen with greater tuberosity (GT) fracture. The GT fragment is sometimes difficult to use as an anatomic landmark for proper plate and screw position. Therefore, the insertion of pectoralis major tendon (PMT) may be used as an alternative landmark for appropriate plate and calcar screw position. The purpose of study is going to identify the vertical distance from PMT to a definite point on the position of locking plate. Methods 30 cadaveric shoulders at the department of clinical anatomy were performed. Shoulders with osteoarthritic change (n = 5) were excluded. Finally, 25 soft cadaveric shoulders were recruited in this study. The PHILOS™ plate was placed 2 mm posterior to the bicipital groove. A humeral head (HH) was cut in the coronal plane at the level of the anterior border of the PHILOS plate with a saw. A calcar screw was inserted close to the inferior cortex of HH. Distance from the upper border of elongated combi-hole (UB-ECH) to the upper border of pectoralis major tendon (UB-PMT) was measured. The plate was then moved superiorly until the calcar screw was 12 mm superior to the inferior border of HH and the distance was repeatedly measured. Results The range of distance from UB-PMT to the UB-ECH was from − 4.50 ± 7.95 mm to 6.62 ± 7.53 mm, when calcar screw was close to inferior border of HH and when the calcar screw was 12 mm superior to the inferior border of HH, respectively. The highest probability of calcar screw in proper location was 72% when UB-ECH was 3 mm above UB-PMT. Discussion and conclusion The GT fragment is sometimes difficult to use as an anatomic landmark for proper plate and screw position. PMT can be used as an alternative anatomic reference. UB-PMT can serve as a guide for proper calcar screw insertion. UB-ECH should be 3 mm above UB-PMT and three-fourths of cases achieved proper calcar screw location.

Treatment outcomes in humeral fractures of different location (review)

The choice of treatment (open reduction and internal fixation) for a humeral fracture with a plate versus an intramedullary nail is highly debated. We compared outcomes (fracture union, reoperation, and adverse events) of intramedullary nailing and plate fixation in patients with proximal humeral, humeral shaft, and distal humeral fractures. No significant differences were found between intramedullary nailing and plate fixation for fracture union, reoperation, or adverse events in patients with proximal humeral or humeral shaft fractures. There is a scarcity of evidence comparing intramedullary nailing and plating for distal humeral fractures. No recommendations can be given from current evidence. Surgeons may have to continue to use discretion based on their personal preference, experience as well as patient’s characteristics and fracture features before more high-quality evidence is available.

Surgical treatments of patients with periprosthetic humeral fracture and comorbidities

Background: Periprosthetic humeral fractures represent a complex and rare complication. Currently, there is no standardized procedure for management or classification of these fractures. Questions/purposes: This unique case series purpose was to look at surgical outcomes and comorbidity profiles of 10 PHF patients. Subsequent analysis looked at whether these outcomes could add to the discussion of a proposed standard of care in a patient cohort with significant comorbidities. Patients and methods: All patients with humeral fractures from 2008-2019 were analyzed for inclusion. A total of ten patients met the inclusion criteria; humeral fracture concurrent with a shoulder arthroplasty. Each patient was managed surgically using a locking plate with or without cerclage wiring. Outcome analysis was then performed for each patient. Humoral fractures managed conservatively were removed from the dataset along with periprosthetic fractures around an elbow arthroplasty, IM nail, or supracondylar fracture after shoulder arthroplasty. Results: The average union time in all patients was 13.27±2.90 (9.86-17.29) weeks. There was no significant difference between patients treated with cerclage wiring or without. All patients had successful union except for a patient with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. There were two radial nerve palsies. The average Deyo-Charlson score and BMI was 7.1±.84 (4-13) and 29.89 respectively. Conclusion: The treatment of PHFs using the technique of ORIF with locking plate with or without cerclage wiring provides satisfactory outcomes in a patient population that usually includes significant comorbidities. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Study Level IV Retrospective Review.

Unipolar Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Residual Post-traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy Associated with Distal Humeral Fractures

Introduction Elbow flexion is indispensable for both functioning and nonfunctioning hands. It is well perceived that restoration of elbow function is the first reconstructive priority in cases of brachial plexus injuries. The authors assessed the impact of associated distal humeral fractures on the functional outcome after unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer (ULDT) for restoration of elbow flexion in patients with residual brachial plexus palsy (BPP). Patients and Methods Twenty-three patients operated for restoring elbow flexion after residual post-traumatic BPP (with or without distal humeral fracture) by unipolar latissimus dorsi transfer (ULDT) were reviewed for a retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups; associated distal humeral fracture group (HF-group; 10 patients) and non-associated distal humeral fracture group (NHF-group; 13 patients). Elbow flexion active range of motion (AROM), flexion deformity in addition to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were assessed. Results In both groups there were statistically better postoperative MEPS grading (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, respectively) and scoring with a mean of 81 ± 16.1 and 90 ± 4.6, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative elbow flexion AROM was statistically better in both groups. The mean supination AROM was better in NHF group (p = 0.057). Conclusion The use of ULDT in residual post-traumatic BPP is an efficient procedure in regaining functional flexion and supination. An associated distal humeral fracture does not significantly affect the final functional outcome. Level of Evidence Level IV.