RESUMEN
OBJETIVO Comparar los resultados funcionales obtenidos en dos cohortes de pacientes ancianos tratados de forma quirúrgica (artroplastia reversa de hombro) versus tratamiento conservador. MATERIAL Y METODOS Estudio ambispectivo, no aleatorizado. Se incluyeron pacientes de 75 años o más, 15 tratados de forma quirúrgica y 16 siguieron tratamiento conservador. Seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. A los 3, 6 y 12 meses de la fractura evaluamos las escalas ASES, Constant-Murley and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) y EVA. Además evaluamos los resultados radiológicos y las complicaciones. RESULTADOS No encontramos diferencias significativas para las escalas ASES, DASH, ni EVA .El grupo tratado de forma quirúrgica obtuvo a los 12 meses una puntuación media en la escala Constant mayor, diferencia estadísticamente significativa(75.1 þ/-10.3 vs. 51.9 þ/-12.4 p » 0.001). Además presentaban mayor rango de movilidad para flexión y rotación externa (128.9 þ/-17 versus 99.3 þ/-20.1 p » 0.001, and 35.7 þ/-13.9 vs. 23.4 þ/-15.5 p » 0.032). El 43% de los pacientes tratados mediante artroplastia reversa presentaban tuberosidades normoposicionadas y mejores resultados en las escalas versus pacientes con tuberosidades ausentes o malposicionadas. El grupo sometido a cirugía no presentó mayor tasa de complicaciones.CONCLUSIONES El tratamiento conservador en las fracturas de EPH en tres y cuatro fragmentos en pacientes ancianos ofrece buenos resultados en cuanto a dolor y funcionalidad en la mayoría de pacientes. Falta por definir qué pacientes por tener alta demanda funcional serían candidatos a tratamiento quirúrgico de entrada
OBJECTIVE This study compared functional results in two cohorts of older adults with three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) per Neer's classification treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) or nonoperative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ambispective, non-randomized study with two cohorts of patients aged 75 or older treated with RSA (n » 15) or nonoperative management (n » 16) with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. We analyzed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at 3, 6, and 12 months. In addition, we recorded radiological findings and surgical complications. RESULTS The mean Constant-Murley score at 12 months was significantly higher for the RSA group (75.1 þ/- 10.3 vs. 51.9 þ/- 12.4, p » 0.001). There were no differences in ASES, DASH, and VAS scores. Statistically significant differences for flexion and external rotation in abduction favored the RSA group (128.9 þ/- 17.0 versus 99.3 þ/- 20.1, p » 0.001, and 35.7 þ/- 13.9 vs. 23.4 þ/- 15.5, p » 0.032, respectively). For the RSA group, tuberosity positioning was correct in 43% of subjects. These patients presented better scores than those with malpositioned or absent tuberosities but with no statistical significance. Complications in the surgical group were not higher. CONCLUSIONS Nonoperative treatment is a valid option regarding pain and functionality in elderly patients with three- and four-part PHFs. Characteristics of patients with high demands who may be candidates for the initial surgical treatment remain to be defined