Physiotherapist-supervised exercises versus unsupervised home-based exercises after nonsurgically treated proximal humerus fracture: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fracture (PHF) is a common fragility fracture in older adults and can have a substantial impact on upper limb function. Although most patients with PHF can be treated nonsurgically, it is unknown whether older adults benefit from supervised exercise therapy after PHF. Therefore, the objective of this trial was to investigate whether 10 weeks of physiotherapist-supervised exercises once a week were superior to 10 weeks of unsupervised home-based exercises in older adults with a nonsurgically treated displaced 2-part PHF. METHODS: This was designed as an assessor-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial and took place in 3 Nordic countries. In total, 72 patients (≥60 years) with nonsurgically treated displaced 2-part PHF were randomized to either physiotherapist-supervised exercises once a week for 10 weeks, combined with daily home-based exercises, or to 10 weeks of daily unsupervised home-based exercises. The primary outcome measure was the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) with a primary endpoint at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were DASH (at 12 months), Constant-Murley Score, the 15D-instrument, Visual Analog Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale, with follow-up visits after 3 and 12 months. Non-union and patient death within 3 months were counted as complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in both groups was 72 years. At 3 months follow-up, the mean DASH score in the supervised group was 25.9 (SD 16.0) compared to 22.4 (SD 18.9) in the unsupervised group. The mean between-group difference (3.5, 95% CI -5.0 to 12.5) was not clinically relevant. None of the secondary outcome measures presented any clinically relevant or statistically significant between-group differences at 3 or 12 months follow-up. One patient in the supervised group and 3 in the unsupervised group were diagnosed with non-union. One patient from each group died before 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This trial provides no evidence that supervised exercises are superior to unsupervised home-based exercises in improving functional outcome or health-related quality of life in older patients with a nonsurgically treated 2-part PHF. Further, our results suggest that most older adults with a nonsurgically treated 2-part PHF can perform home-based exercises without the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Surgery with locking plate or hemiarthroplasty versus nonoperative treatment of 3-4-part proximal humerus fractures in older patients (NITEP): An open-label randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common fractures, especially in older female patients. These fractures are commonly treated surgically, but the consensus on the best treatment is still lacking. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The primary aim of this multicenter, randomized 3-arm superiority, open-label trial was to assess the results of nonoperative treatment and operative treatment either with locking plate (LP) or hemiarthroplasty (HA) of 3- and 4-part PHF with the primary outcome of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) at 2-year follow-up. Between February 2011 and December 2019, 160 patients 60 years and older with 3- and 4-part PHFs were randomly assigned in 1:1:1 fashion in block size of 10 to undergo nonoperative treatment (control) or operative intervention with LP or HA. In total, 54 patients were assigned to the nonoperative group, 52 to the LP group, and 54 to the HA group. Five patients assigned to the LP group were reassigned to the HA group perioperatively due to high comminution, and all of these patients had 4-part fractures. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were 42 patients in the nonoperative group, 44 in the LP group, and 37 in the HA group. The outcome assessors were blinded to the study group. The mean DASH score at 2-year follow-up was 30.4 (standard error (SE) 3.25), 31.4 (SE 3.11), and 26.6 (SE 3.23) points for the nonoperative, LP, and HA groups, respectively. At 2 years, the between-group differences were 1.07 points (95% CI [-9.5,11.7]; p = 0.97) between nonoperative and LP, 3.78 points (95% CI [-7.0,14.6]; p = 0.69) between nonoperative and HA, and 4.84 points (95% CI [-5.7,15.4]; p = 0.53) between LP and HA. No significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes were seen in stratified age groups (60 to 70 years and 71 years and over). At 2 years, we found 30 complications (3/52, 5.8% in nonoperative; 22/49, 45% in LP; and 5/49, 10% in HA group, p = 0.0004) and 16 severe pain-related adverse events. There was a revision rate of 22% in the LP group. The limitation of the trial was that the recruitment period was longer than expected due to a high number of exclusions after the assessment of eligibility and a larger exclusion rate than anticipated toward the end of the trial. Therefore, the trial was ended prematurely. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no benefit was observed between operative treatment with LP or HA and nonoperative treatment in displaced 3- and 4-part PHFs in patients aged 60 years and older. Further, we observed a high rate of complications related to operative treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01246167.

Comparison of ultrasound with electrodiagnosis of scapular winging: A prospective case control study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) and electrodiagnostic examination (EDX) in the diagnostic workup of patients with scapulae alatae. METHODS: 27 patients with scapulae alatae and 41 healthy subjects (HS) and underwent a standardized clinical examination (CEX), EDX and HRUS. We measured the thickness of the serratus anterior (SER), rhomboid major and trapezius muscles and the diameter of the long thoracic (LTN), dorsal scapular and spinal accessory nerves (SAN). RESULTS: Twenty patients showed medial winging and six patients showed lateral winging on CEX. One patient had both lateral and medial winging. In patients with medial winging, the SER muscle was thinner and the LTN diameter was larger on the symptomatic side compared with the asymptomatic side and with the dominant side in HS. In this group, both EDX and HRUS detected abnormalities of SER muscle/ LTN with sensitivity of 65%, and with specificity of 100% and 57%, respectively. EDX and HRUS detected abnormalities of the trapezius muscle/ SAN with sensitivity of 60% and 40%, and specificity of 91%, and 86 % a, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two methods. CONCLUSION: HRUS can contribute to the diagnostic workup of scapulae alatae by demonstrating atrophy of muscles and enlargement in nerve diameter. SIGNIFICANCE: HRUS supplements EDX in the diagnostic workup of scapulae alatae.

Neuromuscular ultrasound of the scapular stabilisers in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain normative high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) data for thickness of the serratus anterior, the trapezius and the rhomboid major muscles and diameter of their corresponding nerves, the long thoracic, the spinal accessory and the dorsal scapular nerve. Moreover, we aimed to examine intra- and inter-examiner agreement of the HRUS measurements. METHODS: We included 41 healthy subjects. Muscle thickness and nerve diameter were measured bilaterally, resulting in 82 ultrasound measurements for each structure. Normative data were calculated using regression equations for the lower limit of muscle thickness and upper limit of nerve diameter, taking into account various variables. For intra- and inter-examiner agreement, ten subjects underwent two extra ultrasound examinations and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. RESULTS: This normative data set showed significant correlations between decreasing muscle thickness with increasing age and height and increasing muscle thickness with increasing weight and with male sex. Muscle thickness was larger on the dominant side compared to the non-dominant side for the trapezius and rhomboid muscles, whereas the opposite was found for the serratus anterior muscle. For all nerves, significant correlations were found between decreasing nerve diameter with increasing age and height. Intra-examiner agreement was acceptable in all sites. Inter-examiner agreement was acceptable for all sites but one site for the serratus anterior muscle and long thoracic nerve, and not acceptable for five out of six sites for the trapezius muscle. CONCLUSION: This study provides HRUS normative data and intra- and inter-examiner agreement data for muscle thickness and nerve diameter for the muscles stabilizing the scapulae and their corresponding nerves. SIGNIFICANCE: The normative HRUS data reported may be useful in future studies investigating neuromuscular disorders.

Operative versus non-operative treatment for 2-part proximal humerus fracture: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although increasingly used, the benefit of surgical treatment of displaced 2-part proximal humerus fractures has not been proven. This trial evaluates the clinical effectiveness of surgery with locking plate compared with non-operative treatment for these fractures. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The NITEP group conducted a superiority, assessor-blinded, multicenter randomized trial in 6 hospitals in Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and Denmark. Eighty-eight patients aged 60 years or older with displaced (more than 1 cm or 45 degrees) 2-part surgical or anatomical neck proximal humerus fracture were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either operative treatment with a locking plate or non-operative treatment. The mean age of patients was 72 years in the non-operative group and 73 years in the operative group, with a female sex distribution of 95% and 87%, respectively. Patients were recruited between February 2011 and April 2016. The primary outcome measure was Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score at 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included Constant-Murley score, the visual analogue scale for pain, the quality of life questionnaire 15D, EuroQol Group's 5-dimension self-reported questionnaire EQ-5D, the Oxford Shoulder Score, and complications. The mean DASH score (0 best, 100 worst) at 2 years was 18.5 points for the operative treatment group and 17.4 points for the non-operative group (mean difference 1.1 [95% CI -7.8 to 9.4], p = 0.81). At 2 years, there were no statistically or clinically significant between-group differences in any of the outcome measures. All 3 complications resulting in secondary surgery occurred in the operative group. The lack of blinding in patient-reported outcome assessment is a limitation of the study. Our assessor physiotherapists were, however, blinded. CONCLUSIONS: This trial found no significant difference in clinical outcomes at 2 years between surgery and non-operative treatment in patients 60 years of age or older with displaced 2-part fractures of the proximal humerus. These results suggest that the current practice of performing surgery on the majority of displaced proximal 2-part fractures of the humerus in older adults may not be beneficial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01246167.

The Use of Ultrasound to Exclude Extremity Fractures in Adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether ultrasonography can be used as a diagnostic tool to exclude extremity fractures in adults. METHODS: This prospective comparative study involved 91 patients (age, ≥18 years) who had been referred by general practitioners for a conventional radiographic examination of a suspected extremity fracture. No additional clinical examination was performed. Ultrasound examination was consistently carried out prior to conventional radiographic examination, which was regarded as the gold standard. At the end of the study, the positive scans were confirmed by a specialist who was highly skilled in ultrasonography. RESULTS: The prevalence of fractures in the study population was 27%. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 85%, a negative predictive value of 97%, a positive likelihood ratio of 15.33, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.085. There seemed to be no association between the anomalous results and patient age or the specific anatomical region of the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that ultrasonography, when performed and interpreted by experienced ultrasonographers, has high accuracy for the diagnosis of a suspected extremity fracture. No systematic differences were found between the results of radiography and ultrasonography, and ultrasonography showed a high sensitivity and specificity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of periprosthetic bone mineral density and postoperative migration of humeral head resurfacing implants: two-year results of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Implant migration, bone mineral density (BMD), length of glenohumeral offset (LGHO), and clinical results were compared for the Copeland (Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN, USA) and the Global C.A.P. (DePuy Int, Warsaw, IN, USA) humeral head resurfacing implants (HHRIs). METHODS: The study randomly allocated 32 patients (13 women), mean age 63 years (range, 39-82 years), with shoulder osteoarthritis to a Copeland (n = 14) or Global C.A.P. (n = 18) HHRI. Patients were monitored for 2 years with radiostereometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index (WOOS). LGHO was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 2 years, total translation (TT) was 0.48 mm (standard deviation [SD], 0.21 mm) for the Copeland and 0.82 mm (SD, 0.46 mm) for the Global C.A.P. (P = .06). Five HHRI were revised, and in the interval before the last follow-up (revision or 2 years), TT of 0.58 mm (SD, 0.61 mm) for revised HHRI was higher (P = .02) than TT of 0.22 mm (SD, 0.17 mm) in nonrevised HHRI. A comparison of TT at the last follow-up (revision or 2 years) found no difference between the HHRIs (P = .12). Periprosthetic BMD decreased initially but increased continuously after 6 months for both HHRIs. At 2 years, BMD was 48% higher around the Copeland HHRI (P = .005). The mean difference in LGHO was significantly higher for the Copeland than for the Global C.A.P. HHRI (P = .02). Clinical results evaluated with CSS and WOOS improved over time for both implant groups (P < .01), with no differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both implants had only little migration and good clinical results. Periprosthetic BMD and LGHO both increased for the Copeland HHRI more than for the Global C.A.P HHRI.

Responsiveness of a Danish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective cohort study in consecutive shoulder patients sought to determine the minimal, clinically important difference of the Danish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and to evaluate patient responsiveness to it. The study was undertaken at the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital, Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During clinical examination, patients completed a baseline questionnaire including the DASH questionnaire, the EuroQol-5D index and the EuroQol-VAS. A follow-up questionnaire concerning the patient's global impression of change was posted to the patients eight to nine weeks after the initial assessment. Responsiveness was analysed by correlation analysis and receiver-operating characteristic curve statistics. Using the optimal cut-off point of the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the minimal, clinically important difference was determined. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients with a variety of shoulder diagnoses were included. Only the DASH questionnaire demonstrated significant differences in change scores (p = 0.001). The area under the curve was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.62-0.90), and a minimal clinically important difference of 12 points was found. CONCLUSION: The DASH questionnaire provides a response outcome measure in Danish-speaking orthopaedic shoulder patients. FUNDING: This work was supported by the Regional Hospital of Central Jutland Research Foundation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

[Scapulae alatae--angels' wings. A study of 64 patients treated with braces and physical therapy at the Viberg's hospital]. / Scapulae alatae--englevinger. En opgørelse of 64 patienter behandlet med brace-bandage og fysioterapi på Viborg Sygehus.

INTRODUCTION: Scapula winging is characterized by a paresis/paralysis of either m. serratus anterior innervated by n. thoracis longus or m. trapezius innervated by n. accesorius. This investigation reveals the results after bracing and muscle training in patients suffering from scapula winging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, consecutive series consisting of 64 patients, 43 males and 21 females with a mean age of 37.8 years (15-75 years), were treated with bracing and muscle training in 1998-2001. Prior to the treatment of bracing all patients suffered from shoulder pain, shoulder fatigue and limited range of motion as well as cosmetic complaints, 28 patients had shoulder pain. RESULTS: At the time of the investigation all 64 patients had stopped using the brace after an average of 11 months (3-29 months). A total of 61 patients had returned to their previous work and sports activities. By the time of the one year follow-up control 18 (50%) patients had gained normal shoulder functions and had no complaints and no visible scapula winging. Ten (32%) had minor disability and two (6%) had major disability. Two patients had relapse of their scapula winging. (Both patients had formerly had normal ENG/EMG). DISCUSSION: We find that the combination of bracing and muscle training is successful in treating scapula winging. Electroneurography (ENG)/electromyography (EMG) was routinely performed but did not show any prognostic value for the treatment in our investigation.