Preventing Varus Deformity in Senile Patients with Proximal Humerus Fractures and Poor Medial Support

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effectiveness of fibular strut allograft augmentation of proximal humerus fractures to prevent varus deformity in patients over the age of 65 years with insufficient medial support. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation with adjunct fibular strut allograft augmentation in 21 patients with proximal humeral fractures. The inclusion criteria were age (65-year-old or older); presence of severe medial comminution; inadequate medial support; and those who could participate in at least a one year follow-up. The average age was 76.4 years. We analyzed each patient's Constant score, our indicator of clinical outcome. As radiological parameters, we analyzed time-to-bone union; restoration of the medial hinge; difference between the immediately postoperative and the last follow-up humeral neck-shaft angles;; and anatomical reduction status, which was assessed using the Paavolainen method. RESULTS: A successful bone union was achieved in all patients at an average of 11.4 weeks. We found that the average Constant score was 74.2, showing a satisfactory outcome. The average difference in the humeral neck-shaft angles between the immediately postoperative time-point and at the final follow-up was 3.09°. According to the Paavolainen method, the anatomical reduction was rated excellent. The medial hinge was restored in 14 of 21 patients. Although we did not find evidence for osteonecrosis, we found that a single patient had a postoperative complication of screw cut-out. CONCLUSIONS: Fibular strut allografting as an adjunct treatment of proximal humeral fractures may reduce varus deformity in patients with severe medial comminution.