Nonoperative Treatment for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients: Correlation Between Deviations and Clinical Outcomes / Tratamento não operatório de fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero em idosos: Correlação entre os desvios e os resultados clínicos

Abstract Objectives To describe the functional result of the conservative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHF) using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score after 12 months and assess whether the different initial classifications and radiographic measurements are related to clinical results. Methods Forty patients > 60 years old, with displaced PHUs submitted to conservative treatment were evaluated at standardized times (3, 6, and 12 months). The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scales were used as clinical outcomes. Radiographic variables included the Neer and Resch classifications, the presence and displacement of tuberosity fracture, metaphyseal comminution, medial periosteal lesion, and angular and translational deviations of the head in the coronal and sagittal plane. Results The result of the ASES score was 77.7 23.2 for the whole sample, the mean absolute values of the Constant-Murley score were 68.7 16 and 82.6% for the scale relative to the contralateral side. The SANE scale at 12 months was 84.8 19. We observed that the severity of the Neer classification and the coronal plane angular deviation (measured by the head-shaft angle) and the presence of fractures in both tuberosities negatively influenced the ASES score after 12 months of treatment. Conclusion Nonoperative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients results in good clinical results. Clinical results are negatively influenced by the angular deviation of the humeral head and the presence of fractures of the greater and lesser tubercles, as well as by the Neer classification.

Resumo Objetivos Descrever o resultado funcional do tratamento não operatório de fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero (FEPU) pela escala da American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES, na sigla em inglês) após 12 meses e avaliar se as diferentes classificações e medidas radiográficas iniciais têm correlação com os resultados clínicos. Métodos Foram avaliados em tempos padronizados (3, 6 e 12 meses), 40 pacientes > 60 anos com FEPU submetidos ao tratamento não operatório. Foram utilizadas as escalas da ASES, Constant-Murley e Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE, na sigla em inglês). As variáveis radiográficas incluíram as classificações de Neer e Resch, a presença de fratura e desvio dos tubérculos, cominuição metafisária, lesão periosteal medial, desvios angulares e translacionais da cabeça no plano coronal e sagital e desvio dos tubérculos. Resultados Observamos resultados pela escala de ASES de 77,7 23,2 para toda a amostra, pelade Constant-Murley de 68,7 16e de 82,6% paraa escala em relação aolado contralateral.AescaladeSANEaos12mesesfoide84,8 19.Oscritériosradiográficosque apresentaram influência negativa no resultado clínico pela escala de ASES aos 12 meses foram a gravidade pela classificação de Neer e pelo desvio angular no plano coronal (mensurado pelo ângulo cabeça-diáfise) e a presença de fratura dos tubérculos. Conclusão O tratamento não operatório de fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero em pacientes idosos resulta em bons resultados clínicos. Os resultados clínicos são influenciados negativamente pelo desvio angular da cabeça do úmero e pela presença de fratura dos tubérculos maior e menor, assim como pela classificação de Neer.

Bilateral fracture of the shoulders following epileptic seizures: a case report / Fratura bilateral de ombros após convulsões epilépticas: relato de caso

Convulsive seizures caused by hyponatremia occur when this condition is severe and develops quickly, resulting in a brain's adaptive inability to contain brain swelling. Seizures are rarely the cause of shoulder fractures. This is a case report of bilateral humerus fracture following a single epileptic seizure caused by drug hyponatremia, an unconventional event in medical practice. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room after a single tonic-clonic seizure with spontaneously ceased sphincter relaxation, showing Glasgow 6. No falls or restraint were reported by observers. When alert, the patient reported pain and difficulty moving both arms. During examination, the movement was li- mited to the right and left. Anteroposterior radiographs revealed bilateral fracture at the neck of humerus. To complement inves- tigation for further lesions, a computed tomography confirmed bilateral fracture-dislocation with impaction of the humeral head with the glenoid. Atraumatic bilateral fracture-dislocation of the humerus after epileptic seizure is a very rare event. It is believed that some of these diagnoses have been neglected due to the difficulty of characterizing the patient's pain in a postictal state. The importance of a detailed physical examination shall be emphasized in risk groups such as the polymedicated elderly.

Convulsive seizures caused by hyponatremia occur when this condition is severe and develops quickly, resulting in a brain's adaptive inability to contain brain swelling. Seizures are rarely the cause of shoulder fractures. This is a case report of bilateral humerus fracture following a single epileptic seizure caused by drug hyponatremia, an unconventional event in medical practice. A 69-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room after a single tonic-clonic seizure with spontaneously ceased sphincter relaxation, showing Glasgow 6. No falls or restraint were reported by observers. When alert, the patient reported pain and difficulty moving both arms. During examination, the movement was li- mited to the right and left. Anteroposterior radiographs revealed bilateral fracture at the neck of humerus. To complement inves- tigation for further lesions, a computed tomography confirmed bilateral fracture-dislocation with impaction of the humeral head with the glenoid. Atraumatic bilateral fracture-dislocation of the humerus after epileptic seizure is a very rare event. It is believed that some of these diagnoses have been neglected due to the difficulty of characterizing the patient's pain in a postictal state. The importance of a detailed physical examination shall be emphasized in risk groups such as the polymedicated elderly.

Alteración de mediciones radiográficas en osteosíntesis de húmero proximal con clavo centromedular / Alteration of X-ray measurements in proximal humerus osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail

Resumen: Introducción: La calidad de reducción en las fracturas de húmero proximal es posible valorarla a través de criterios radiográficos (ACD = ángulo cervicodiafisario; OM = offset medial; DTC = distancia tuberosidad-cabeza y ES = espacio subacromial), los cuales predicen la funcionalidad. Sin embargo, estos criterios establecidos para otros implantes no están descritos para el clavo centromedular. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo en pacientes > 18 años con osteosíntesis con clavo centromedular (durante el período de 2014 a 2017), en donde se evaluaron las características demográficas, severidad de lesión (clasificación de Neer) y las mediciones radiográficas progresivas y complicaciones. Resultados: Se analizaron 84 casos, cuya edad en promedio fue de 65 ± 2 años y la media de seguimiento de 13.9 meses. Por clasificación de Neer: 40.4% fueron grado II; 29.7%, grado III y 29.7%, grado IV. La consolidación en varo aumenta 10.7% al final del seguimiento, siendo aquellos pacientes Neer grado III y IV los más frecuentes. La deformidad > 140o predomina para Neer grado II (n = 15/34). En 30.9%, se presenta un cambio de ACD (ΔACD) ≥ 10o. En general, 86.9% tiene cambios de DTC < 5 mm. En los casos Neer grado III/IV, 32% tiene una alteración de ES > 5 mm. La complicación más frecuentemente es la necrosis avascular (NAV) con 44% de los casos. Conclusiones: Las mediciones radiográficas presentan cambios en valoraciones a largo plazo. Las alteraciones en ACD (> 10o) y ES (> 5 mm) se dan en mayor proporción en aquellos pacientes Neer grado III/IV (acorde con la severidad de la fractura), lo que favorece consolidaciones viciosas en varo o valgo y una mayor presencia de NAV.

Abstract: Introduction: The quality of reduction in proximal humerus fractures is valuable with radiographic criteria (Neck-shaft angle [NSA]; medial offset [MO]; distance head tuberosity [DHT] and subacromial space [SS]) that predict functionality. These criteria set for other implants are not described for the intramedullary nail. Material and methods: Observational cohort study, retrospective, with patients > 18 years, with osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail (2014 to 2017), evaluating demographic characteristics, severity of injury (Neer classification), progressive radiographic measurements and complications. Results: 84 cases with an average age of 65 ± 2 years and an average follow-up of 13.9 months were analyzed. By Neer rating 40.4% were grade II, 29.7% grade III and 29.7% grade IV. Consolidation in varus increases to 10.7% at the end of follow-up, with Neer III and IV patients. The >140o deformity is prevalent for Neer II (n = 15/34). 30.9% have a change of neck-shaft angle of ≥ 10o. Overall 86.9% has HTD changes < 5 mm. Cases Neer III/IV 32% has alteration of SS > 5 mm. The most common complication is avascular necrosis (AVN) with 44% of cases. Conclusions: Radiographic measurements have changes in long-term follow-up. Alterations in NSA (> 10o) and SS (> 5 mm) occur in higher proportion of Neer III/IV patients, according to the severity of the fracture, favoring vicious consolidations in varus or valgus and increased presence of AVN.

Evaluación radiológica de los elementos de osteosíntesis en el miembro superior / Radiological evaluation of bone synthesis in the upper limb

El tratamiento de las fracturas óseas del miembro superior puede realizarse por métodos cerrados o abiertos. Los cerrados se basan en el principio de inmovilización y/o tracción con materiales externos, mientras que los abiertos utilizan elementos quirúrgicos de fijación interna o externa. Los rayos X(Rx) constituyen la primera y mejor metodología para la evaluación posquirúrgica de estos elementos. El conocimiento básico de los materiales utilizados es necesario para conseguir una buena evaluación e informe médico.

The treatment of bone fractures of the upper limb can be performed by closed or open methods. Closed methods are based on the principle of immobilisation and / or traction with external materials. Instead, open surgical methods use elements of internal or external fixation. The x-ray is the first method of choice in the post-operative evaluation of these elements. A basic knowledge of the materials used is necessary to make a good assessment and medical report.

Locking Plate for Proximal Humeral Fracture in the Elderly Population: Serial Change of Neck Shaft Angle

BACKGROUND: We conducted this radiographic study in the elderly population with proximal humeral fracture aiming to evaluate 1) the serial changes of neck-shaft angle after locking plate fixation and 2) find relationship between change in neck shaft angle and various factors such as age, fracture pattern, severity of osteoporosis, medial support and initial reduction angle. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent surgical treatment for proximal humeral fracture with locking plate between September 2008 and August 2010 are included. True anteroposterior and axillary lateral radiographs were made postoperatively and at each follow-up visit. Measurement of neck shaft angle was done at immediate postoperative, 3 months postoperative and a final follow-up (average, 11 months; range, 8 to 17 months). Severity of osteoporosis was assessed using cortical thickness suggested by Tingart et al. RESULTS: The mean neck shaft angles were 133.6degrees (range, 100degrees to 116degrees) at immediate postoperative, 129.8degrees (range, 99degrees to 150degrees) at 3 months postoperative and 128.4degrees (range, 97degrees to 145degrees) at final follow-up. The mean loss in the neck-shaft angle in the first 3 months was 3.8degrees as compared to 1.3degrees in the period between 3 months and final follow-up. This was statistically significant (p = 0.002), indicating that most of the fall in neck shaft angle occurs in the first three months after surgery. Relationship between neck shaft angle change and age (p = 0.29), fracture pattern (p = 0.41), cortical thickness (p = 0.21), medial support (p = 0.63) and initial reduction accuracy (p = 0.65) are not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The proximal humerus locking plate maintains reliable radiographic results even in the elderly population with proximal humerus fracture.

Hackethal bundle nailing with intramedullary elastic nails in the treatment of two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus: initial experience at Al Razi Hospital, Kuwait

To present the clinical and radiological results of a minimally invasive technique, the fixation of two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus according to the Neer Classification System, using the intramedullary bundle-wiring Hackethal technique.The operations were performed with the Hackethal technique [use of elastic titanium nails, Synthes] on 17 patients [8 males and 9 females] with two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. In cases of two-part fracture only, intramedullary titanium nails were used while for three-part fractures, percutaneous cannulated screws were used to fix the greater tuberosity, followed by intramedullary insertion of titanium elastic nails. The clinical results were assessed using the Constant score and radiological assessment including the union and alignment of the proximal humerus. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were performed along with 3D reconstruction in all cases for diagnostic and prognostic significance. All fractures united in an average period of 12 weeks [range 10-17 weeks]. In all patients, a good to excellent range of motion of the shoulder, and good to excellent muscular power and alignment were noted. The Constant score amounted to 81 points [range 64-98 points]. There was no secondary loss of fixation and migration of implants. In cases of two-part fracture of the proximal humerus, the minimally invasive Hackethal technique alone and in cases of three-part fracture, the same technique with percutaneous cannulated screws provided excellent clinical and radiological results with a minimal risk of complication. It is an important alternative to open reduction and internal fixation of these difficult fractures

Image analysis of avulsion fracture, permanent osteoepiphyte, sesamoid and accessory bones / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate a method to distinguish avulsion fracture from sesamoid, accessory bone, and permanent osteoepiphyte.@*METHODS@#Fourteen cases of suspicious avulsion fractures of articular portion of tubular bones were reviewed. Direct/indirect signs and the injury mechanism of avulsion fractures were analyzed and compared with permanent osteoepiphyte, sesamoid and accessory bones for their morphological characteristics.@*RESULTS@#There are two cases of permanent osteoepiphytes, three cases of sesamoids, and three cases of accessory bones. These cases were characterized by smooth edges, contiguous bony cortex, without swelling of the surrounding soft tissue or obvious image changes after consecutive radiography.@*CONCLUSION@#It is fundamental in image analysis to distinguish avulsion fracture from physiological small osteoepiphyte, sesamoid bone, and aberrant accessory bone.

Scapulothoracic dissociation--A case report.

Scapulothoracic dissociation (SCTD) is a rare clinical entity with fewer than 70 cases reported in English literature. The mechanism of injury is severe rotational force, which causes disruption of the shoulder girdle from the rest of chest wall. Frequently, SCTD produces massive blood loss as it involves major fractures of the upper extremity, disruption of muscle, brachial plexus, and vascular damage. This case report demonstrates classical radiological findings of SCTD with brachial plexus injury but with no associated vascular damage.