A new clinical sign to detect radiologically occult greater tuberosity fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Up to 59% of undisplaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures are missed on initial evaluation. Timely diagnosis of these injuries can avoid undue morbidity, but a clinical sign to accurately identify them has not previously been described. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the gold standard for their assessment but may not be routinely available, or difficult to organize urgently. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a new clinical sign (the anterior bruise sign [ABS]), in diagnosing radiologically occult GT fractures. METHODS: Over a 4-year period, 59 patients who sustained a traumatic shoulder injury with no fracture on initial radiographs were referred to a specialist shoulder clinic within a week of their injury and enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study. At initial presentation, the presence of anterior arm bruising extending to the mid-diaphysis was recorded as a positive ABS. MRI assessment of the injured shoulder was performed in all patients at first follow-up. Presenting radiographs, 2-week radiographs, and MRI scans were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The diagnostic value of a positive ABS was compared with 2-week radiographs, and other clinical tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 58.5 (range 30-79) years, and 27 (45.8%) were female. The mean time from injury to first follow-up was 6.9 (standard deviation 2.4) days. MRI revealed that 25 of 59 patients (42.4%) had an undisplaced GT fracture. The overall accuracy of the ABS in identifying occult GT fractures was 98% (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 97%, positive predictive value = 96%, negative predictive value = 100%, P < .001). In contrast, radiographs taken at 2 weeks postinjury were less accurate (71.2%) (P < .001), and other clinical assessments of cuff function had much lower accuracy. CONCLUSION: In patients presenting with a traumatic shoulder injury with normal radiographs, the ABS is a highly sensitive and specific clinical aid to identify patients with an occult GT fracture.

Delayed acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using a modern suspensory device does not increase the risk of fixation failure or major complications.

BACKGROUND: Management of displaced acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries remains contentious. It is unclear if delayed vs. acute reconstruction has an increased risk of fixation failure and complications. The primary aim of this study was to compare complications of early vs. delayed reconstruction. The secondary aim was to determine modes of failure of ACJ reconstruction requiring revision surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on all patients who underwent operative reconstruction of ACJ injuries over a 10-year period (Rockwood III-V) using suspensory devices with or without hamstring allograft. Reconstruction was classed as early (<12 weeks from injury) or delayed (≥12 weeks). Patient demographics, fixation method, and postoperative complications were noted, with 1-year follow-up a minimum requirement for inclusion. Patient-reported outcomes with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and EuroQol-5 Dimension were undertaken. Fixation failure was defined as loss of reduction requiring revision surgery. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were analyzed (n = 59 early and n = 45 delayed). The mean age was 42.0 (standard deviation: 11.2; 17-70 years); 84.6% were male and 15.4% were smokers. No difference was observed between fixation failure (P = .39) or deep infection (P = .13) with regard to acute vs. delayed reconstruction. No patient demographic or timing of surgery was predictive of fixation failure on regression modeling. Overall, 11 patients underwent revision surgery for loss of reduction and implant failure (n = 5 suture fatigue, n = 2 endobutton escape, n = 2 coracoid stress fracture, and n = 2 deep infection). The EuroQol-5 Dimension (P = .084) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (P = .062) were comparable for early and delayed groups respectively and below the minimal clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: This study found that delayed surgical management of ACJ injuries using a modern device has comparable functional outcomes and is not associated with a higher incidence of fixation failure or major complications.

Acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation.

Posterior shoulder dislocation occurs rarely and is challenging to manage. The mechanisms of trauma are varied, which complicates diagnosis. Missed or delayed diagnosis and treatment can have serious deleterious effects on shoulder function. All cases of suspected posterior shoulder dislocation require a high level of suspicion and appropriate imaging. Identification of associated injuries, such as fractures and rotator cuff tears, is important to guide treatment. In the acute setting, most patients are treated with closed or open reduction with additional soft-tissue or bony procedures. Patients treated in a delayed fashion for persistent instability may require additional procedures, including arthroplasty.

Golf participation after rotator cuff repair: functional outcomes, rate of return and factors associated with return to play.

BACKGROUND: Golf is a popular sport involving overhead activity and engagement of the rotator cuff (RC). This study aimed to determine to what level golfers were able to return to golf following RC repair, the barriers to them returning to golf and factors associated with their failure to return to golf. METHODS: Patients preoperatively identifying as golfers undergoing RC repair at the study centre from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively followed up with to assess their golf-playing status, performance and frequency of play and functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-seven golfers (40 men [85.1%] and 7 women [14.9%]) with a mean age of 56.8 years met the inclusion criteria, and 80.1% were followed up with at a mean of 27.1 months postoperatively. Twenty-nine patients (76.3%) had returned to golf with a mean handicap change of +1.0 (P=0.291). Golf frequency decreased from a mean of 1.8 rounds per week preinjury to 1.5 rounds per week postoperatively (P=0.052). The EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) index and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score were significantly greater in those returning to golf (P=0.024 and P=0.002), although functional outcome measures were not significantly different. The primary barriers to return were ipsilateral shoulder dysfunction (78%) and loss of the habit of play (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Golfers were likely (76%) to return to golf following RC repair, including mostly to their premorbid performance level with little residual symptomatology. Return to golf was associated with a greater QoL. Persistent subjective shoulder dysfunction (78%) was the most common barrier to returning to golf. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Outcomes associated with secondary implant removal and arthrolysis in patients with a painful stiff shoulder after proximal humeral fracture fixation.

AIMS: Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2018, 424 consecutive patients were treated with primary ORPF for proximal humerus fracture. ADROM was offered to symptomatic patients with a healed fracture at six months postoperatively. Patients were followed up retrospectively with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and complications recorded. Active range of motion (aROM), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients underwent ADROM; 111 patients were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 10.9 years (range 1 to 20). Mean age was 50.8 years (18 to 75);79 (57.2%) were female. Mean time from primary ORPF to ADROM was 11.9 months (6 to 19). Five patients developed superficial wound infection; ten developed symptomatic osteonecrosis/post-traumatic arthrosis (ON/PTA); four underwent revision arthrolysis. Median OSS improved from 17 (interquartile range (IQR) 12.0 to 22.0) preoperatively to 40.0 (IQR 31.5 to 48.0) postoperatively, and 39.0 (IQR 31.5 to 46.5) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). Median EQ-5D-3L improved from 0.079 (IQR -0.057 to 0.215) to 0.691 (IQR 0.441 to 0.941) postoperatively, and 0.701 (IQR 0.570 to 0.832) at long-term follow-up (p < 0.001). We found that aROM improved in all planes (p < 0.001). Among the variables assessed on multivariable analysis, a manual occupation, worsening Charlson Comorbidity Index and increasing socioeconomic deprivation were most consistently predictive of worse patient-reported outcome scores. Patients who subsequently developed ON/PTA reported significantly worse one-year and late OSS. CONCLUSION: ADROM in patients with persistent symptomatic stiffness following ORPF can achieve excellent short- and long-term outcomes. More deprived patients, those in a manual occupation, and those with worsening comorbidities have worse outcomes following ADROM. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):157-167.

Functional Outcome After Nonoperative Treatment of a Proximal Humeral Fracture in Adults.

BACKGROUND: The functional outcome following nonoperative treatment of a proximal humeral fracture and the factors that influence it are poorly defined. We aimed to prospectively assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a patient cohort at 1 year after the injury. METHODS: In this study, 774 adult patients sustaining a proximal humeral fracture completed PROM assessments, including the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), and visual analog scale (VAS) assessments of pain, health, and overall treatment satisfaction at 1 year. The mean patient age was 65.6 years, and 73.8% of patients were female. The influences of demographic and fracture measurements and complications on the OSS and EQ-5D-3L were assessed. RESULTS: The 1-year mean scores were 33.2 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.1 to 34.2 points) for the OSS and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.61) for the EQ-5D-3L. There was considerable heterogeneity in the reported scores, and the 3 demographic variables of higher levels of dependency, higher levels of social deprivation, and a history of affective (mood) disorder were most consistently associated with poorer outcomes, accounting for between 37% and 43% of the score variation. The initial fracture translation potentially leading to nonunion accounted for 9% to 15% of the variation, and a displaced tuberosity fracture was also predictive of 1% to 4% of the outcome variation. There was evidence of a ceiling effect for the OSS, with 238 patients (30.8%) having a score of ≥47 points but a mean outcome satisfaction of only 72.9 points, and this effect was more pronounced in younger, active individuals. At the other end of the spectrum, 239 patients (30.9%) reported an OSS of ≤24 points, and 120 patients (15.5%) had a "worse-than-death" EQ-5D-3L score. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment of proximal humeral fractures produces considerable variation in shoulder-specific and general health outcomes at 1 year, and a substantial proportion of patients have poor perceived functional outcomes. The outcome for the majority of less-displaced fractures is mainly influenced by preexisting patient-related psychosocial factors, although the fracture-related factors of displacement, nonunion, and tuberosity displacement account for a small but measurable proportion of the variation and the poorer outcomes in the minority with more severe injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prediction of Nonunion After Nonoperative Treatment of a Proximal Humeral Fracture.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of nonunion after a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) and the risk factors for its occurrence are poorly defined. We aimed to estimate the rate of nonunion in nonoperatively treated patients and to produce a clinical model for its prediction. METHODS: Two thousand two hundred and thirty adult patients (median age, 72 years [range, 18 to 103 years]; 75.5% were female) with a PHF underwent assessment of fracture union using standard clinical evaluation and conventional radiographs. We assessed the prevalence of nonunion and measured the effect of 19 parameters on healing. Best statistical practices were used to construct a multivariate logistic regression model. The PHF assessment of risk of nonunion model (PHARON) was externally validated in a subsequent prospectively collected population of 735 patients, treated by the same protocol in our institution. RESULTS: Overall, 231 (10.4%) of 2,230 patients developed nonunion. Only 3 (0.8%) of 395 patients with a head-shaft angle (HSA) of >140° developed nonunion; in this cohort, none of the measured candidate variables were independently predictive of nonunion on multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the larger cohort of 1,835 patients with an HSA of ≤140°, 228 (12.4%) developed nonunion. Decreasing HSA, increasing head-shaft translation (HST), and smoking were independently predictive of nonunion on multivariate analysis. The prevalence of nonunion was very low (1%) in the majority with both an HSA of >90° and HST of <50%, whereas the risk was much higher (83.7%) in the 8.3% with an HSA of ≤90° and HST of ≥50%. In both groups, the prevalence of nonunion was much higher in smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of nonunion after PHF is higher than previously reported. Most patients have favorable risk-factor estimates and a very low risk of this complication, but a smaller subgroup is at much higher risk. The risk can be accurately estimated with PHARON, using standard clinical assessment tools. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Sonographic bridging callus at six weeks following displaced midshaft clavicle fracture can accurately predict healing.

AIMS: To evaluate if union of clavicle fractures can be predicted at six weeks post-injury by the presence of bridging callus on ultrasound. METHODS: Adult patients managed nonoperatively with a displaced mid-shaft clavicle were recruited prospectively. Ultrasound evaluation of the fracture was undertaken to determine if sonographic bridging callus was present. Clinical risk factors at six weeks were used to stratify patients at high risk of nonunion with a combination of Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) ≥ 40, fracture movement on examination, or absence of callus on radiograph. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients completed follow-up at six months with a nonunion incidence of 16.7% (n = 18/112). Sonographic bridging callus was detected in 62.5% (n = 70/112) of the cohort at six weeks post-injury. If present, union occurred in 98.6% of the fractures (n = 69/70). If absent, nonunion developed in 40.5% of cases (n = 17/42). The sensitivity to predict union with sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was 73.4% and the specificity was 94.4%. Regression analysis found that failure to detect sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was associated with older age, female sex, simple fracture pattern, smoking, and greater fracture displacement (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.48). Of the cohort, 30.4% (n = 34/112) had absent sonographic bridging callus in addition to one or more of the clinical risk factors at six weeks that predispose to nonunion. If one was present the nonunion rate was 35%, 60% with two, and 100% when combined with all three. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound combined with clinical risk factors can accurately predict fracture healing at six weeks following a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):113-121.

3D ultrasound reconstruction of sonographic callus : a novel imaging modality for early evaluation of fracture healing.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish a reliable method for producing 3D reconstruction of sonographic callus. METHODS: A cohort of ten closed tibial shaft fractures managed with intramedullary nailing underwent ultrasound scanning at two, six, and 12 weeks post-surgery. Ultrasound capture was performed using infrared tracking technology to map each image to a 3D lattice. Using echo intensity, semi-automated mapping was performed to produce an anatomical 3D representation of the fracture site. Two reviewers independently performed 3D reconstructions and kappa coefficient was used to determine agreement. A further validation study was undertaken with ten reviewers to estimate the clinical application of this imaging technique using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Nine of the ten patients achieved union at six months. At six weeks, seven patients had bridging callus of ≥ one cortex on the 3D reconstruction and when present all achieved union. Compared to six-week radiographs, no bridging callus was present in any patient. Of the three patients lacking sonographic bridging callus, one went onto a nonunion (77.8% sensitive and 100% specific to predict union). At 12 weeks, nine patients had bridging callus at ≥ one cortex on 3D reconstruction (100%-sensitive and 100%-specific to predict union). Presence of sonographic bridging callus on 3D reconstruction demonstrated excellent reviewer agreement on ICC at 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.96). CONCLUSION: 3D fracture reconstruction can be created using multiple ultrasound images in order to evaluate the presence of bridging callus. This imaging modality has the potential to enhance the usability and accuracy of identification of early fracture healing. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):759-766.

Malunion after midshaft clavicle fractures in adults.

This is an overview of the current literature on malunion after midshaft clavicle fracture. Anatomy, trauma mechanism, classification, incidence, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options are all discussed. The conclusion is that clavicle malunion is a distinct clinical entity that can be treated successfully.

Primary Arthroscopic Stabilization for a First-Time Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder: Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with an age of ≤35 years who had sustained a primary anterior glenohumeral dislocation were enrolled in a single-center, double-blinded clinical trial. Subjects were randomized to receive either an arthroscopic washout (AWO) or ABR. Participants were reassessed after a minimum of 10 years postoperatively. Data regarding recurrent instability, revision surgery, satisfaction, and function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index [WOSI]) scores were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (74%; 32 in the AWO group and 33 in the ABR group) were included and had an average follow-up of 14.2 years (range,12 to 16 years). The rate of recurrent dislocation was significantly higher in the AWO group than the ABR group (47% and 12%, respectively; p = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted for event-free survival using recurrent instability and/or revision surgery as clinical end points. This analysis demonstrated a sustained significant difference between the groups at 10 years after surgery (58% for the AWO group versus 79% for the ABR group; log-rank test [Mantel-Cox]; p = 0.018). Long-term WOSI scores were significantly better in the ABR group. The presence of recurrent instability was associated with significantly poorer WOSI and DASH scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a long-term benefit in overall shoulder stability and functional outcome in high-risk patients who have undergone ABR for first-time anterior dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Latarjet as a primary and revision procedure for anterior shoulder instability - A comparative study of survivorship, complications and functional outcomes in the medium to long-term.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aims to compare the outcome of the Latarjet procedure when used as a primary or revision procedure for recurrent anterior gleno-humeral instability. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-seven patients underwent 205 open Latarjet procedures during the period 2006-2015 (mean follow-up 5.6 years). Sixty shoulders had failure of a previous stabilisation requiring revision to the Latarjet procedure. Outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves, and multiple linear regression modelling was utilised to identify predictors of functional outcome (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Two shoulders had recurrent dislocations in the cohort of 205 (1.0%). Six shoulders underwent further surgery for non-instability complications (2.9%). There were no significant differences in the clinical or functional outcome between patients undergoing a primary Latarjet procedure and those who required revision of a failed soft-tissue stabilisation. Ninety-two per cent of patients were satisfied with their shoulder following surgery. Patient-reported instability and satisfaction was significantly associated with poorer functional scores. DISCUSSION: The Latarjet procedure successfully prevents recurrent anterior instability and is associated with high levels of satisfaction. Patient-reported outcome measures suggest no difference between primary and revision procedures.

Open Reduction and Long Locking Plate Fixation of Complex Proximal Humeral Metadiaphyseal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: A minority of proximal humeral fractures extend into the diaphysis and their optimal treatment remains controversial. We evaluated the outcomes and risk of complications in patients with these injuries, treated by a protocol of open reduction and long locking plate fixation (LPF). METHODS: Between 2007 and 2014, all locally resident patients with a proximal humeral fracture extending into the diaphysis were referred to a specialist shoulder clinic. Operative treatment using a protocol of open reduction and LPF was offered to medically fit patients. Those with 2-year radiographic follow-up were included in the study, and standardized assessments of clinical and radiographic outcomes were performed during the first 2 years postoperatively. At a mean of 8.8 years (range, 5 to 12 years) after LPF, the functional outcomes and satisfaction of surviving, cognitively intact patients were assessed with a questionnaire study. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients met the inclusion criteria; the majority were older women who had incurred the injury during a simple fall. Fractures were divided into 2 types depending on the pattern of diaphyseal extension. The pain levels, functional scores, and satisfaction with treatment were satisfactory both at the 2-year follow-up and at the longer-term follow-up at a mean of 8.8 years postsurgery. Complications were predominantly due to postsurgical stiffness (in 7 patients, with 3 undergoing additional surgery) and nonunion or fixation failure (in 7 patients, with 6 undergoing additional surgery). CONCLUSIONS: Proximal humeral fractures with diaphyseal extension are rare. The results of our study support the use of LPF in medically stable patients in centers with the expertise to perform these procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fracture Union Can Be Accurately Predicted with a Delayed Assessment at 6 Weeks Following Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear if clinical recovery following a midshaft clavicle fracture can accurately predict fracture-healing. The additional information that can be assessed at 6 weeks after injury may have superior predictive value compared with information available at the time of the injury. METHODS: A prospective study of all patients (≥16 years of age) who sustained a fully displaced midshaft clavicle fracture was performed. We assessed patient demographic characteristics, injury factors, functional scores, and radiographic predictors with a standardized protocol at 6 weeks. Conditional stepwise regression modeling was used to assess which factors independently predicted nonunion at 6 months after the injury as determined by computed tomography (CT). The nonunion predictor 6-week model was compared with a previously validated model based on factors available at the time of the injury, which included smoking, comminution, and fracture displacement. RESULTS: At 6 months, 200 patients completed follow-up. The CT-defined nonunion rate was 14% (27 of 200). Of the functional scores, the QuickDASH (the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) had the highest accuracy on receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with a 39.8-point threshold, above which was associated with nonunion (area under curve [AUC], 76.8%; p < 0.001). Sixty-nine percent of the cohort had a QuickDASH score of <40 points at 6 weeks, and 95% (131 of 138) of these patients had fracture union. On regression modeling, a QuickDASH score of ≥40 points (p = 0.001), no callus on radiographs (p = 0.004), and fracture movement on examination (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of nonunion. If none were present, the predicted nonunion risk was 3%, found in 40% (80 of 200) of the cohort. Conversely, if ≥2 of the predictors were present, found in 23.5% of the cohort, the predicted nonunion risk was 60%. The nonunion predictor model at 6 weeks appeared to have superior accuracy (AUC, 87.3%) when compared with the nonunion predictor model at the time of injury (AUC, 64.8%) for fracture-healing on ROC curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed assessment at 6 weeks following displaced midshaft clavicle fracture enables an accurate prediction of patients who are likely to have union with nonoperative management. One in 4 patients are at an increased risk of nonunion and may benefit from operative intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open Reduction and Tunneled Suspensory Device Fixation of Displaced Lateral-End Clavicular Fractures: Medium-Term Outcomes and Complications After Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the lateral aspect of the clavicle with complete displacement have a high nonunion rate and are associated with poor functional outcomes following nonoperative treatment. Various techniques are available to treat these fractures, but preliminary studies of open reduction and tunneled suspensory device (ORTSD) fixation have shown good early functional outcomes with a low rate of complications; our goal was to assess the functional outcomes and complications in the medium term in a larger series of patients treated using this technique. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with displaced lateral-end clavicular fractures were treated with ORTSD fixation. Outcome was assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Oxford shoulder score at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Fifty-five of 64 surviving patients were subsequently contacted at a mean of 69 months (range, 27 to 120 months) postoperatively to complete DASH and Oxford shoulder scores, to evaluate their overall level of satisfaction, and to document any further complications. RESULTS: At 1 year postoperatively, the mean Oxford shoulder score was 46.4 points and the mean DASH score was 2.4 points in 59 of the 67 patients assessed at this time interval. At the later follow-up (mean, 69 months), the mean Oxford shoulder score was 46.5 points and the mean DASH score was 2.2 points in the 55 surviving patients who were able to be contacted. There were no significant differences between the 1-year functional scores and those at the latest follow-up. Two patients developed a symptomatic nonunion requiring reoperation, and 2 patients developed an asymptomatic fibrous union not requiring a surgical procedure. The 5-year survival when considering only obligatory revision for implant-related complications was 97.0%. CONCLUSIONS: ORTSD fixation for isolated displaced lateral-end clavicular fractures in medically fit patients is associated with good functional outcomes and a low rate of complications in the medium term. Routine implant removal was not necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complications and Long-Term Outcomes of Open Reduction and Plate Fixation of Proximal Humeral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in adults remains controversial. We evaluated the risk of complications and the long-term outcomes in patients with a severely displaced fracture or a fracture-dislocation of the proximal part of the humerus treated with open reduction and plate fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Between 1995 and 2012, 5,897 consecutive patients with a proximal humeral fracture were referred to a specialist shoulder clinic for surgical assessment. Indications for surgery included anterior or posterior fracture-dislocation, substantial tuberosity involvement with >1 cm of displacement in a Neer 3 or 4-part fracture configuration, disengagement of the head from the shaft, or severe varus or valgus deformity of the head. All patients who met the surgical criteria and had been followed for 2 years were included, and standardized clinical and radiographic assessments of outcomes were performed. At a median of 10.8 years (range, 5 to 22 years) after ORIF, all surviving cognitively intact patients completed a patient-reported questionnaire assessing functional outcomes and satisfaction. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-eight patients (6.2%) met the inclusion criteria and had the appropriate follow-up. The study population had a high rate of complex fracture configurations; 77.2% had tuberosity involvement, 54.1% had complete head-shaft disengagement, and 44.0% had a dislocated head. Eighty-seven patients (23.6%) had postoperative stiffness, 25 (6.8%) had fixation failure/nonunion, and 16 (4.3%) had late osteonecrosis/posttraumatic osteoarthritis; these complications were the reason for the majority of the reoperations in the cohort. The survivorship until any reoperation was 74% at 10 years, but when reoperations for stiffness were excluded, the survivorship was 90% during the same time period. The patients' mean levels of pain, function, and satisfaction with treatment were good to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of primary ORIF in medically fit patients with a severely displaced fracture or a fracture-dislocation of the proximal part of the humerus in centers where the expertise to carry out such treatment exists. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open Reduction and Tunneled Suspensory Device Fixation Compared with Nonoperative Treatment for Type-III and Type-IV Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations: The ACORN Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management of complete acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation has yielded reasonable results, although patients may report dissatisfaction with the outcome. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to compare patient outcome following nonoperative care versus operative treatment with open reduction and tunneled suspension device (ORTSD) fixation for acute, type-III or IV disruptions of the AC joint. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 16 to 35 years with an acute type-III or IV disruption of the AC joint were randomized to receive ORTSD fixation or nonoperative treatment, following a power analysis to determine sample size. Functional outcomes were assessed with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) as the primary outcome measure and the Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) and Short Form (SF-12) as secondary outcome measures at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after treatment. Reduction was evaluated with use of radiographs. Any complications were noted at each assessment. The economic implication of each treatment was evaluated. RESULTS: ORTSD and nonoperative groups were similar with regard to demographics at baseline. The mean degree of radiographic displacement was significantly less in patients following ORTSD fixation (1.75 mm) compared with patients who received nonoperative treatment (10.61 mm, p < 0.0001). At 1 year postoperatively, the mean DASH score was 4.67 in the nonoperative treatment group and 5.63 in the ORTSD group, and the mean OSS was 45.72 and 45.63, respectively. Patients managed with ORTSD fixation had inferior DASH scores at 6 weeks (p < 0.01). There were 5 patients who experienced failed nonoperative treatment and subsequently underwent a surgical procedure. ORTSD fixation (£3,359.73) was associated with significantly higher costs than nonoperative treatment (£796.22, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: ORTSD fixation confers no functional benefit over nonoperative treatment at 1 year following type-III or IV disruptions of the AC joint. Although patients managed nonoperatively generally recovered faster, a substantial group of patients remained dissatisfied following nonoperative treatment and required delayed surgical reconstruction. We were unable to identify any demographic or injury-related factors that predicted a poorer outcome in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complex posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder. Epidemiology, injury patterns, and results of operative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Complex posterior fracture-dislocations of the shoulder are rare and often associated with poor long-term function regardless of the choice of treatment. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the epidemiology and pathological anatomy of posterior fracture-dislocations of the shoulder and to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a specific treatment protocol of open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: We studied the demographic details of a consecutive series of twenty-six patients (twenty-eight shoulders in nineteen men and seven women with a mean age of fifty-three years) who sustained acute posterior dislocation of the humeral head with an associated Neer two, three, or four-part fracture. We used age and gender-specific local census data to assess the incidence of injury in our local population. All patients were treated by open relocation of the humeral head, bone-grafting of humeral head defects if they were causing residual shoulder instability, and internal fixation of the fracture. We recorded the prevalence of fracture complications that were clinically and radiographically apparent and assessed the functional outcome using three validated scoring systems (the Short Form-36 general health measure, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and the Constant score). RESULTS: The overall incidence of posterior fracture-dislocations was 0.6 per 100,000 population per year. The peak incidence was in middle-aged men, and most injuries were sustained during a seizure or a fall from a height. In all patients, there was a displaced primary fracture of the anatomic neck of the humerus, propagating from the area of an osteochondral fracture of the anterior aspect of the humeral head (a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion). We recognized three subtypes determined by the extent of the secondary fracture lines. At two years after surgery, the median Constant score was 83.5 points and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 17.5 points. The eight components of the Short Form-36 score were not significantly different from those of age and sex-matched controls at two years. CONCLUSIONS: Acute complex posterior fracture-dislocations of the shoulder are rare, but they occur in patients who are younger than the majority of other patients who sustain a proximal humeral fracture. The use of open reduction and internal fixation to treat these fractures is associated with a relatively low risk of postoperative complications, and the functional outcome is generally favorable.

The extended deltoid-splitting approach to the proximal humerus.

The recent technological developments in implant design and the wider availability of bone graft substitutes have stimulated a renaissance in the operative treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. However, one of the remaining problems of the operative treatment of these injuries has been the limited surgical access to the posterior aspect of the shoulder afforded by the deltopectoral approach. In this article, we describe a novel extended deltoid-splitting approach, in which the area traversed by the axillary nerve is identified and protected during the surgery. We feel that this approach provides enhanced surgical exposure and offers a useful alternative to the deltopectoral approach in the operative treatment of 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures.

Functional outcome and risk of recurrent instability after primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and risk factors for recurrent instability and functional impairment following a primary glenohumeral dislocation remain poorly defined in younger patients. We performed a prospective cohort study to evaluate these outcomes. We also aimed to produce guidelines for the design of future clinical trials, assessing the efficacy of interventions designed to improve the outcome after a primary dislocation. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of 252 patients ranging from fifteen to thirty-five years old who sustained an anterior glenohumeral dislocation and were treated with sling immobilization, followed by a physical therapy program. Patients received regular clinical follow-up to assess whether recurrent instability had developed. Functional assessments were made and were compared for two subgroups: those who had not had instability develop and those who had received operative stabilization to treat recurrent instability. RESULTS: On survival analysis, instability developed in 55.7% of the shoulders within the first two years after the primary dislocation and increased to 66.8% by the fifth year. The younger male patients were most at risk of instability, and 86.7% of all of the patients known to have recurrent instability had this complication develop within the first two years. A small but measurable degree of functional impairment was present at two years after the initial dislocation in most patients. Sample-size calculations revealed that a relatively small number of patients with a primary dislocation would be required in future clinical trials examining the effects of interventions designed to reduce the prevalence of recurrent instability and improve the functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent instability and deficits of shoulder function are common after primary nonoperative treatment of an anterior shoulder dislocation. There is substantial variation in the risk of instability, with younger males having the highest risk and females having a much lower risk. Future clinical trials to evaluate primary interventions should evaluate the prevalence of recurrent instability and functional deficits, with use of an assessment tool specifically for shoulder instability, during the first two years after the initial dislocation.