PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE WITH LOCKING PLATE: FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC RESULTS.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the functional outcome and radiographic indices of proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate. METHODS: Seventy patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate, with mean follow-up of 30 months. These patients were analyzed for the score of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for the operated shoulder, range of motion measurements and radiography of both shoulders. After that, a graphical correlation was established between the radiographic measurements and the functional outcomes. RESULTS: 78% good and excellent results according to the UCLA score, with mean130° elevation; 45° lateral rotation; and thumb-T10 medial rotation. The type of fracture according to the Neer classification and age had a significant correlation with the range of motion. An association was found between the lowest mean elevation and the UCLA score when the neck-shaft angle variation in the antero-posterior plane was greater than 15° varus (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The variation of the neck-shaft angle measurement in the anteroposterior plane showed significant correlation with the range of motion and can be one of the predictors of functional results in proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Study.

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar os resultados funcionais e os índices radiográficos das fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa bloqueada. MÉTODOS: Examinou-se 70 pacientes com fraturas do úmero proximal tratados com placa bloqueada, com seguimento médio de 30 meses. Esses pacientes foram submetidos à análise do escore da Universidade da Califórnia de Los Angeles (UCLA) no ombro operado, avaliação do arco de movimento e a exames radiográficos de ambos os ombros. Estabeleceu-se, então, a correlação gráfica entre as medidas radiográficas e os resultados funcionais. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 78% de bons e excelentes resultados conforme o escore da UCLA, com médias de: 130° de elevação; 45° de rotação lateral; e polegar-T10 de rotação medial. O tipo de fratura segundo a classificação de Neer e a idade teve significativa correlação com o arco de movimento. Encontrou-se associação entre menor média de elevação e escore UCLA quando a variação do ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior foi maior que 15° em varo (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A variação da medida do ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior mostrou significativa correlação com o arco de movimento, podendo ser um dos preditores dos resultados funcionais nas fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa bloqueada. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Proximal humerus fracture with locking plate: functional and radiographic results / Fraturas do úmero proximal com placa bloqueada: resultados funcionais e radiográficos

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the functional outcome and radiographic indices of proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate. Methods: Seventy patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate, with mean follow-up of 30 months. These patients were analyzed for the score of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for the operated shoulder, range of motion measurements and radiography of both shoulders. After that, a graphical correlation was established between the radiographic measurements and the functional outcomes. Results: 78% good and excellent results according to the UCLA score, with mean130° elevation; 45° lateral rotation; and thumb-T10 medial rotation. The type of fracture according to the Neer classification and age had a significant correlation with the range of motion. An association was found between the lowest mean elevation and the UCLA score when the neck-shaft angle variation in the antero-posterior plane was greater than 15° varus (p <0.001). Conclusion: The variation of the neck-shaft angle measurement in the anteroposterior plane showed significant correlation with the range of motion and can be one of the predictors of functional results in proximal humerus fractures treated with locking plate. Level of evidence III, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os resultados funcionais e os índices radiográficos das fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa bloqueada. Métodos: Examinou-se 70 pacientes com fraturas do úmero proximal tratados com placa bloqueada, com seguimento médio de 30 meses. Esses pacientes foram submetidos à análise do escore da Universidade da Califórnia de Los Angeles (UCLA) no ombro operado, avaliação do arco de movimento e a exames radiográficos de ambos os ombros. Estabeleceu-se, então, a correlação gráfica entre as medidas radiográficas e os resultados funcionais. Resultados: Obtivemos 78% de bons e excelentes resultados conforme o escore da UCLA, com médias de: 130° de elevação; 45° de rotação lateral; e polegar-T10 de rotação medial. O tipo de fratura segundo a classificação de Neer e a idade teve significativa correlação com o arco de movimento. Encontrou-se associação entre menor média de elevação e escore UCLA quando a variação do ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior foi maior que 15° em varo (p<0,001). Conclusão: A variação da medida do ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior mostrou significativa correlação com o arco de movimento, podendo ser um dos preditores dos resultados funcionais nas fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa bloqueada. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Cross-sectional study of Gartland II and III humerus supracondylar fracture treatment in childhood: Brazilian orthopedists' opinion.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at determining, through a cross-sectional study, the preferred therapeutic method in Brazil considering the approach to Gartland type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures during childhood. METHODS: The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Plataforma Brasil and the material was collected during the 46th Brazilian Orthopedics and Traumatology Congress. A questionnaire was developed to analyze two clinical scenarios about Gartland type II and III fractures. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 301 questionnaires obtained from 5500 participants of the Congress who met the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria. In case 1, the following was observed: 140 (46.5%) of physicians opted for closed reduction with immobilization and 116 (38.5%) selected closed reduction and osteosynthesis, of whom 82 (70.7%) preferred two crossed Kirschner wires. In case 2, 294 (97.7%) considered that the treatment is urgent, and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed orthopedists answered that they perform osteosynthesis with two crossed Kirschner wires. CONCLUSIONS: The opinion of orthopedic surgeons in Brazil varies for Gartland type II fractures. Type III fractures have a uniform conduct and they are treated urgently (97.7%). When osteosynthesis is necessary, it was observed that 82 (70.7%) and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed surgeons opted for fixation with two crossed Kirschner wires.

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar, num estudo transversal, qual é o método terapêutico preferencial usado no Brasil quando são abordadas as fraturas supracondilianas do úmero na infância dos tipos II e III da classificação de Gartland. MÉTODOS: O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Plataforma Brasil e o material foi coletado durante o 46° Congresso Brasileiro de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Elaboramos um questionário para averiguar a conduta nas duas situações clínicas de fraturas do tipo Gartland II e III. RESULTADOS: A amostra constou de 301 questionários obtidos de 5.500 participantes do Congresso que contemplaram os critérios de inclusão e não inclusão. Para o caso 1 observamos que 140 (46,5%) médicos optam pela redução incruenta e imobilização e 116 (38,5%), pela redução incruenta e osteossíntese, dos quais 82 (70,7%) preferem a osteossíntese com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados. Para o caso 2, 294 (97,7%) entrevistados consideram que essas lesões devam ser abordadas na urgência, na qual 225 (74,8%) fazem a osteossíntese com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados. CONCLUSÕES: A opinião do ortopedista no Brasil varia para as fraturas do tipo II. Para as do tipo III, observamos que existe uma conduta uniforme, pois essas são tratadas na urgência (97,7%). Quando é necessária a osteossíntese, observamos que 82 (70,7%) e 225 (74,8%) dos entrevistados optam pela fixação com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados.

Cross-sectional study of Gartland II and III humerus supracondylar fracture treatment in childhood: Brazilian orthopedists' opinion / Estudo transversal sobre o tratamento das fraturas supracondilianas do úmero na infância dos tipos Gartland II e III: opinião do ortopedista brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: This study is aimed at determining, through a cross-sectional study, the preferred therapeutic method in Brazil considering the approach to Gartland type II and III supracondylar humerus fractures during childhood. Methods: The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Plataforma Brasil and the material was collected during the 46th Brazilian Orthopedics and Traumatology Congress. A questionnaire was developed to analyze two clinical scenarios about Gartland type II and III fractures. Results: The sample consisted of 301 questionnaires obtained from 5500 participants of the Congress who met the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria. In case 1, the following was observed: 140 (46.5%) of physicians opted for closed reduction with immobilization and 116 (38.5%) selected closed reduction and osteosynthesis, of whom 82 (70.7%) preferred two crossed Kirschner wires. In case 2, 294 (97.7%) considered that the treatment is urgent, and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed orthopedists answered that they perform osteosynthesis with two crossed Kirschner wires. Conclusions: The opinion of orthopedic surgeons in Brazil varies for Gartland type II fractures. Type III fractures have a uniform conduct and they are treated urgently (97.7%). When osteosynthesis is necessary, it was observed that 82 (70.7%) and 225 (74.8%) of the interviewed surgeons opted for fixation with two crossed Kirschner wires.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar, num estudo transversal, qual é o método terapêutico preferencial usado no Brasil quando são abordadas as fraturas supracondilianas do úmero na infância dos tipos II e III da classificação de Gartland. Métodos: O projeto de pesquisa foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Plataforma Brasil e o material foi coletado durante o 46° Congresso Brasileiro de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Elaboramos um questionário para averiguar a conduta nas duas situações clínicas de fraturas do tipo Gartland II e III. Resultados: A amostra constou de 301 questionários obtidos de 5.500 participantes do Congresso que contemplaram os critérios de inclusão e não inclusão. Para o caso 1 observamos que 140 (46,5%) médicos optam pela redução incruenta e imobilização e 116 (38,5%), pela redução incruenta e osteossíntese, dos quais 82 (70,7%) preferem a osteossíntese com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados. Para o caso 2, 294 (97,7%) entrevistados consideram que essas lesões devam ser abordadas na urgência, na qual 225 (74,8%) fazem a osteossíntese com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados. Conclusões: A opinião do ortopedista no Brasil varia para as fraturas do tipo II. Para as do tipo III, observamos que existe uma conduta uniforme, pois essas são tratadas na urgência (97,7%). Quando é necessária a osteossíntese, observamos que 82 (70,7%) e 225 (74,8%) dos entrevistados optam pela fixação com dois fios de Kirschner cruzados.

Arthroscopy-assisted versus standard intramedullary nail fixation in diaphyseal fractures of the humerus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess applicability of arthroscopic technique in intramedullary nail fixation of humerus shaft fractures and to compare with conventional nailing in terms of its effects on perioperative and postoperative intra-articular complication rates as well as on clinical and functional outcomes. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial included 40 patients (12 females and 28 males) indicated for surgery between either undergo arthroscopy-assisted (Arthroscopy-assisted intramedullary nailing [AIMN]; n = 20) or conventional (Intramedullary nailing [IMN]; n = 20) anterograde intramedullary nailing. Two groups were compared in terms of mean number of fluoroscopic shootings until the guide wire was inserted, time for union, length of hospital stay, and complication rates. Shoulder functions were assessed by Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. RESULTS: Groups did not significantly differ in terms of age, gender, and mechanism of injury, length of hospital stay, union rate, and mean union time ( p > 0.05). Mean ASES and Constant scores were found to be statistically significantly higher in AIMN group than that in IMN group ( p = 0.000 and p = 0.002, respectively). Mean number of fluoroscopic shootings until the guide wire was inserted was 2.15 in AIMN group, which was significantly lower compared to 4.2 of IMN group ( p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy-assisted technique may be an applicable and safe method owing to its cosmetic advantages and more satisfactory postoperative shoulder functions subsequent to less injury to deltoid, rotator cuff, and other soft tissue, as compared to conventional anterograde approach.

Evaluation of the reproducibility of the AO/ASIF classification for humeral shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility of the AO/Asif classification for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Consecutive radiographs of the arm in both anteroposterior and lateral view from 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures were analyzed. Six observers who were familiar with the AO/Asif classification (three shoulder and elbow surgery specialists and three general orthopedists) were selected to make the analysis, which was done at three different times. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The intra and interobserver concordance was statistically significant in all the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: All the evaluators showed concordance between the three evaluations that was considered to be statistically significant. However, the highest values were found among the specialists.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para as fraturas diafisárias do úmero. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas radiografias consecutivas em duas incidências (anteroposterior e perfil do braço) de 60 pacientes com fratura do úmero diafisário. Seis observadores familiarizados com a classificação AO/Asif, três especialistas em cirurgia do ombro e cotovelo e três ortopedistas gerais foram selecionados para análise, a qual se deu em três tempos distintos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística com o coeficiente kappa (κ). RESULTADOS: A concordância intra e interobservadores foi estatisticamente significante em todas as análises. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os avaliadores concordam com as três avaliações consideradas estatisticamente significantes. Porém, os maiores valores são encontrados entre os especialistas.

Bryan and Morrey type IV intra-articular fracture of the distal extremity of the humerus treated surgically with anterior access: case report.

Within the context of elbow-level trauma, fractures with a coronal line at the distal extremity of the humerus are rare and result from indirect axial trauma with the arm extended. These are difficult-to-treat intra-articular fractures, since they require stable anatomical reduction in order to maintain joint congruence and diminish complications such as stiffness. This paper reports a case that occurred in a young man who suffered a fall from a ladder that resulted in a Bryan and Morrey type IV intra-articular fracture of the humerus. The injury was treated surgically by means of an anterior access, using osteosynthesis with two Herbert screws that were inserted from anterior to posterior.

No contexto dos traumatismos ao nível do cotovelo, as fraturas com traço coronal da extremidade distal do úmero são raras e resultam de trauma axial indireto no membro superior estendido. São fraturas intra-articulares de difícil tratamento por demandar redução anatômica e estável para a manutenção da congruência articular e redução das complicações como rigidez. Reporta-se neste artigo um caso ocorrido em um jovem do sexo masculino, vítima de queda de escada que resultou em uma fratura intra-articular do úmero distal tipo IV de Bryan e Morrey e que foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico por via de acesso anterior e osteossíntese com dois parafusos de Herbert inseridos de anterior para posterior.

Avaliação da reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para fraturas diafisárias do úmero / Evaluation of the reproducibility of the AO/ASIF classification for humeral shaft fractures

Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para as fraturas diafisárias do úmero. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas radiografias consecutivas em duas incidências (anteroposterior e perfil do braço) de 60 pacientes com fratura do úmero diafisário. Seis observadores familiarizados com a classificação AO/Asif, três especialistas em cirurgia do ombro e cotovelo e três ortopedistas gerais foram selecionados para análise, a qual se deu em três tempos distintos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística com o coeficiente kappa(κ). RESULTADOS: A concordância intra e interobservadores foi estatisticamente significante em todas as análises. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os avaliadores concordam com as três avaliações consideradas estatisticamente significantes. Porém, os maiores valores são encontrados entre os especialistas.

To evaluate the reproducibility of the AO/Asif classification for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Consecutive radiographs of the arm in both anteroposterior and lateral view from 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures were analyzed. Six observers who were familiar with the AO/Asif classification (three shoulder and elbow surgery specialists and three general orthopedists) were selected to make the analysis, which was done at three different times. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The intra and interobserver concordance was statistically significant in all the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: All the evaluators showed concordance between the three evaluations that was considered to be statistically significant. However, the highest values were found among the specialists.

Results of surgical treatment of nonunion of humeral shaft fracture with dynamic compression plate and cancellous bone grafting.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the treatment of nonunion of humeral shaft fracture with dynamic compression plate from January 2002 to December 2009. METHODS: Twenty-two patients were treated over the study period. Trauma was the predominant cause of injury in 86.4% of the patients. RESULTS: Nonunion was atrophic in 81.8% and hypertrophic in 18.2% of the individuals. There was a primary injury of the radial nerve in 27.3% of the patients. All the participants had closed fracture at presentation, and 81.2% had received previous treatment from traditional bone setters and 18.8% had failure of the conservative cast management. The average time to healing was 16 weeks. Previous treatment from traditional bone setters significantly affected the time to fracture healing (p<0.05). All fractures had successful union. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that dynamic compression plating remains an effective treatment option for nonunion of humeral shaft fracture. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective study.

EVALUATION OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF FRACTURES IN TWO OR THREE PARTS OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS WITH THE "PARACHUTE TECHNIQUE".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgical technique called the "parachute technique, as applied to adult patients who suffered displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures of the proximal humerus, through the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between January 1995 and June 2006, 59 adult patients with displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures underwent operations performed by the Shoulder and Elbow Group of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Service of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo using the "parachute technique. This method consists of an intramedullary tension band and extramedullary fixation in a figure-of-eight to join the fragments of the fracture, using a 6.5-millimeter spongy screw with partial threading, a washer and two non-absorbable wires, thereby producing stable synthesis with minimal aggression to the surrounding soft tissue and not requiring any subsequent removal of material. The final shape of this synthesis is reminiscent of the shape of an open parachute. The patients had a minimum postoperative follow-up of six months. For the diagnosis, trauma series radiographic views of the shoulder were produced. The fractures were classified in accordance with the system proposed by Neer. We used the scale of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The "parachute technique" produced good results in 47% and excellent results in 26% of the cases, according to the UCLA scores. CONCLUSION: The "parachute technique" is a safe and effective treatment for displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

UPPER LIMB TRACTION DEVICE FOR ANTEROGRADE INTRAMEDULLARY LOCKED NAIL OF HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES.

Diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia in adults are mostly treated surgically, usually by means of intramedullary locked-nail osteosynthesis. Some comminuted and/or highly deviated shaft fractures may present a veritable technical challenge. Fracture (or orthopedic) tables, which enable vertical, horizontal and rotational instrumental stabilization of the limb, greatly facilitate reduction and implant placement maneuvers and are widely used by orthopedic surgeons. Humeral shaft fractures are mostly treated nonsurgically. However, some cases with indications that are well defined in the literature require surgical treatment. They can be fixed by means of plates or intramedullary nails, using anterograde or retrograde routes. In the humerus, fracture reduction and limb stabilization maneuvers for implantation of intramedullary nails are done manually, usually by two assistants. Because muscle fatigue may occur, this option may be less efficient. The aim of this paper is to present an external upper-limb traction device for use in anterograde intramedullary locked-nail osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures that enables vertical, horizontal and rotational stabilization of the upper limb, in a manner similar to the device used for the lower limbs. The device is portable, of simple construction, and can be installed on any operating table equipped with side rails. It was used for surgical treatment of 29 humeral shaft fractures using an anterograde locked intramedullary nail. Our experience was extremely positive. We did not have any complications relating to its use and we believe that it notably facilitated the surgical procedures.