Arthroplasty as Primary Treatment for Metadiaphyseal Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Viable Alternative to Osteosynthesis for the Elderly

  • Helal A
  • Heimdal T
  • Lo E
  • et al.
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: in the elderly patient population, where fracture comminution, osteoporotic fractures, and associated arthritis or rotator cuff pathologies dominate, metadiaphyseal proximal humeral fracture is a challenging subset of fractures to treat. This study reports on cementless long-stem reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) as primary treatment of metadiaphyseal proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Between January 2018 and October 2021, 22 consecutive patients sustained proximal humerus fractures with metadiaphyseal extension and underwent surgery with cementless long-stem RTSA. Patients older than 60 years with minimum 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up were included. Patient demographics, range of motion, and patient reported outcomes [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scale, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon (ASES) scores] were retrospectively collected. Postoperative X-rays were evaluated for fracture and tuberosity union. RESULTS: There were 14 eligible patients with a median age of 71 years (range 61-91 years) and a median 13 months follow-up. At final follow-up, the median active elevation was 120° (range 80°-150°), external rotation was 40° (range 0°-50°), and internal rotation was 40° (range 0°-80°). Median VAS was 2 (range 0-8), SST was 71% (range 33%-92%), SSV was 78% (range 20-90%), and ASES was 73 (range 17-90). All patients exhibited radiographic union. There were five minor complications in three patients: postoperative neuropathy, tuberosity nonunion, scapula notching, and proximal humeral stress shielding. CONCLUSION: Cementless long-stem RTSA is a viable alternative to primary fracture fixation in the elderly patient population with metadiaphyseal proximal humerus fractures.

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APA

Helal, A., Heimdal, T., Lo, E. Y., Montemaggi, P., Lund, J., Garofalo, R., … Krishnan, S. G. (2023). Arthroplasty as Primary Treatment for Metadiaphyseal Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Viable Alternative to Osteosynthesis for the Elderly. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Arthroplasty, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/24715492231192055

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