Fracturas de la extremidad proximal de húmero en tres y cuatro fragmentos en el anciano: ¿Tratamiento conservador o artroplastia reversa? / Fractures of the humeral proximal extremity in three and four fragments in the elderly patient: conservative treatment or reverse arthroplasty?

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

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for complex proximal humerus fracture in the elderly: clinical and radiological results.

Background: The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) is steadily increasing. Better clinical outcomes of RSA have been correlated with tuberosity reattachment and healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the clinical and radiological results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the management of a proximal humerus fracture in the elderly. Methods: Retrospective study including 400 consecutive 3-4 part proximal humerus fractures treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a minimum of 12-month follow-up. In all the cases, the greater tuberosity was reattached with a standardized suture technique and a local bone graft. All the patients were assessed at the 12-month follow-up with Constant-Murley Score (CMS). Radiographic healing of the greater tuberosity was noted. Complications and revision rates were reported. Results: Mean final CMS for this cohort was 82 points. The greater tuberosity healed in anatomic position in 85% of the cases (N = 340), obtaining an average CMS of 85 in these patients. Healing of the greater tuberosity did not occur in 13% of the cases (N = 52) and displacement more than 5 mm occurred in 2% (N = 8) of the patients for an average CMS of 60. All patients scored above 120° in forward elevation with a mean of 150°. Mean active external rotation was 35°. The lateralization shoulder angle had a mean of 91° and the distalization shoulder angle had a mean of 54°. Low-grade scapular notching was reported in <1% of the cases. A total of 60 patients presented failure of healing or displacement of the greater tuberosity. Major complications were reported in nine patients. Of these nine patients, two acquired superficial wound infections, while two had deep shoulder prosthetic infection. Two other patients developed hematomas, one sustained an acromial stress fracture, and two had a stem loosening. There were 4 reoperations. Conclusion: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with the use of a fracture-specific stem, allows an improved rate of greater tuberosity healing and short-term clinical outcomes in the elderly population.

Tuberosity Healing after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: Is there Clinical Improvement? / Consolidação dos tubérculos na artroplastia reversa do ombro após fratura proximal do úmero: Existe melhoria nos resultados funcionais?

Abstract Objective To compare the functional results of patients with complex proximal humerus fracture submitted to total shoulder reverse arthroplasty with and without tuberosity healing. The secondary goal was to know the tuberosity healing rate after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with our surgical technique. Methods A retrospective, cohort type study, with a prospective database collection. In total, 28 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: age ≥ 65 years, reverse shoulder arthroplasty for complex proximal humerus fracture (type-3 or -4, according to Neer), and a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. At six months of follow-up, all of the patients were evaluated radiographically for tuberosity, and then they were divided into 2 groups: those with healed tuberosities and those with non-healed tuberosities. A clinical evaluation using the Constant score, active range of motion and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at the last follow-up was also performed. Results Tuberosity healing occurred in 21 patients (76.3%). There were statistically significant differences in the Constant scoring system (p < 0.001), forward elevation (p = 0.020), internal rotation (p = 0.001) and external rotation (p = 0.003) when comparing the group of healed tuberosities with the group of non-healed tuberosities. No differences were found regarding the VAS score. Conclusion Tuberosity healing results in an improvement of the functional outcomes of patients submitted to reverse shoulder arthroplasty as a treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os resultados funcionais entre pacientes com fratura complexa do úmero proximal submetidos a artroplastia reversa com tubérculos consolidados e tubérculos não consolidados. O objetivo secundário foi determinar a taxa de consolidação dos tubérculos com este tipo de prótese. Métodos Estudo de tipo coorte, retrospectivo, com coleta prospectiva de dados. No total, 28 pacientes cumpriram os critérios de inclusão: idade superior a 65 anos, prótese reversa do ombro por fratura complexa do úmero proximal (3 ou 4 partes, segundo Neer), e tempo de seguimento mínimo de 24 meses. Aos seis meses, todos os pacientes foram avaliados radiograficamente quanto à consolidação dos tubérculos e divididos em dois grupos: grupo com tubérculos consolidados e grupo com tubérculos não consolidados. A avaliação funcional realizou-se segundo o sistema de pontuação de Constant, da amplitude de movimento ativo, e da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) à data da última consulta. Registaram-se todas as complicações. Resultados A consolidação dos tubérculos ocorreu em 21 pacientes (76,3%). Verificou-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas no sistema de pontuação de Constant (p < 0.001), elevação anterior (p = 0.020), rotação interna (p = 0.001) e externa (p = 0.003), quando se comparou o grupo dos tubérculos consolidados com o grupo dos tubérculos não consolidados. Não houve diferenças significativas na EVA entre os 2 grupos. Conclusão A consolidação dos tubérculos traduz uma melhoria dos resultados funcionais em pacientes submetidos a artroplastia reversa do ombro como tratamento de fraturas complexas do úmero proximal em idosos.

[Alteration of X-ray measurements in proximal humerus osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail]. / Alteración de mediciones radiográficas en osteosíntesis de húmero proximal con clavo centromedular.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of reduction in proximal humerus fractures is valuable with radiographic criteria (Neck-shaft angle [NSA]; medial offset [MO]; distance head tuberosity [DHT] and subacromial space [SS]) that predict functionality. These criteria set for other implants are not described for the intramedullary nail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cohort study, retrospective, with patients 18 years, with osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail (2014 to 2017), evaluating demographic characteristics, severity of injury (Neer classification), progressive radiographic measurements and complications. RESULTS: 84 cases with an average age of 65 ± 2 years and an average follow-up of 13.9 months were analyzed. By Neer rating 40.4% were grade II, 29.7% grade III and 29.7% grade IV. Consolidation in varus increases to 10.7% at the end of follow-up, with Neer III and IV patients. The 140° deformity is prevalent for Neer II (n = 15/34). 30.9% have a change of neck-shaft angle of 10°. Overall 86.9% has HTD changes 5 mm. Cases Neer III/IV 32% has alteration of SS 5 mm. The most common complication is avascular necrosis (AVN) with 44% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic measurements have changes in long-term follow-up. Alterations in NSA ( 10o) and SS ( 5 mm) occur in higher proportion of Neer III/IV patients, according to the severity of the fracture, favoring vicious consolidations in varus or valgus and increased presence of AVN.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La calidad de reducción en las fracturas de húmero proximal es posible valorarla a través de criterios radiográficos (ACD = ángulo cervicodiafisario; OM = offset medial; DTC = distancia tuberosidad-cabeza y ES = espacio subacromial), los cuales predicen la funcionalidad. Sin embargo, estos criterios establecidos para otros implantes no están descritos para el clavo centromedular. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo en pacientes 18 años con osteosíntesis con clavo centromedular (durante el período de 2014 a 2017), en donde se evaluaron las características demográficas, severidad de lesión (clasificación de Neer) y las mediciones radiográficas progresivas y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 84 casos, cuya edad en promedio fue de 65 ± 2 años y la media de seguimiento de 13.9 meses. Por clasificación de Neer: 40.4% fueron grado II; 29.7%, grado III y 29.7%, grado IV. La consolidación en varo aumenta 10.7% al final del seguimiento, siendo aquellos pacientes Neer grado III y IV los más frecuentes. La deformidad 140° predomina para Neer grado II (n = 15/34). En 30.9%, se presenta un cambio de ACD (ACD) 10°. En general, 86.9% tiene cambios de DTC 5 mm. En los casos Neer grado III/IV, 32% tiene una alteración de ES 5 mm. La complicación más frecuentemente es la necrosis avascular (NAV) con 44% de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: Las mediciones radiográficas presentan cambios en valoraciones a largo plazo. Las alteraciones en ACD ( 10o) y ES ( 5 mm) se dan en mayor proporción en aquellos pacientes Neer grado III/IV (acorde con la severidad de la fractura), lo que favorece consolidaciones viciosas en varo o valgo y una mayor presencia de NAV.

Alteración de mediciones radiográficas en osteosíntesis de húmero proximal con clavo centromedular / Alteration of X-ray measurements in proximal humerus osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail

Resumen: Introducción: La calidad de reducción en las fracturas de húmero proximal es posible valorarla a través de criterios radiográficos (ACD = ángulo cervicodiafisario; OM = offset medial; DTC = distancia tuberosidad-cabeza y ES = espacio subacromial), los cuales predicen la funcionalidad. Sin embargo, estos criterios establecidos para otros implantes no están descritos para el clavo centromedular. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo en pacientes > 18 años con osteosíntesis con clavo centromedular (durante el período de 2014 a 2017), en donde se evaluaron las características demográficas, severidad de lesión (clasificación de Neer) y las mediciones radiográficas progresivas y complicaciones. Resultados: Se analizaron 84 casos, cuya edad en promedio fue de 65 ± 2 años y la media de seguimiento de 13.9 meses. Por clasificación de Neer: 40.4% fueron grado II; 29.7%, grado III y 29.7%, grado IV. La consolidación en varo aumenta 10.7% al final del seguimiento, siendo aquellos pacientes Neer grado III y IV los más frecuentes. La deformidad > 140o predomina para Neer grado II (n = 15/34). En 30.9%, se presenta un cambio de ACD (ΔACD) ≥ 10o. En general, 86.9% tiene cambios de DTC < 5 mm. En los casos Neer grado III/IV, 32% tiene una alteración de ES > 5 mm. La complicación más frecuentemente es la necrosis avascular (NAV) con 44% de los casos. Conclusiones: Las mediciones radiográficas presentan cambios en valoraciones a largo plazo. Las alteraciones en ACD (> 10o) y ES (> 5 mm) se dan en mayor proporción en aquellos pacientes Neer grado III/IV (acorde con la severidad de la fractura), lo que favorece consolidaciones viciosas en varo o valgo y una mayor presencia de NAV.

Abstract: Introduction: The quality of reduction in proximal humerus fractures is valuable with radiographic criteria (Neck-shaft angle [NSA]; medial offset [MO]; distance head tuberosity [DHT] and subacromial space [SS]) that predict functionality. These criteria set for other implants are not described for the intramedullary nail. Material and methods: Observational cohort study, retrospective, with patients > 18 years, with osteosynthesis with intramedullary nail (2014 to 2017), evaluating demographic characteristics, severity of injury (Neer classification), progressive radiographic measurements and complications. Results: 84 cases with an average age of 65 ± 2 years and an average follow-up of 13.9 months were analyzed. By Neer rating 40.4% were grade II, 29.7% grade III and 29.7% grade IV. Consolidation in varus increases to 10.7% at the end of follow-up, with Neer III and IV patients. The >140o deformity is prevalent for Neer II (n = 15/34). 30.9% have a change of neck-shaft angle of ≥ 10o. Overall 86.9% has HTD changes < 5 mm. Cases Neer III/IV 32% has alteration of SS > 5 mm. The most common complication is avascular necrosis (AVN) with 44% of cases. Conclusions: Radiographic measurements have changes in long-term follow-up. Alterations in NSA (> 10o) and SS (> 5 mm) occur in higher proportion of Neer III/IV patients, according to the severity of the fracture, favoring vicious consolidations in varus or valgus and increased presence of AVN.

INTER/INTRA-OBSERVER EVALUATION BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHS AND TOMOGRAPHIES FOR PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE.

OBJECTIVE: The use of images in 3D reconstruction is an instrument that facilitates the interpretation of the fracture, observations of deviations, rotations and articular surface. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the Neer x AO proximal humerus fracture classification on radiographs versus computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D). METHODS: We evaluated the digital radiographs (anteroposterior and profile) and computerized tomography with 3D reconstruction of patients presenting with a proximal humerus fracture, surgically treated at an Orthopedics and Traumatology Service. All radiographs and computed tomography were classified (Neer and AO) by eight (8) orthopedic surgeons, specialists in the upper limb and sent, following the pre-established numeration by the author, in a spreadsheet to the author of the study. RESULTS: The Neer and AO scores were more reproducible when determined by computed tomography with 3D reconstruction, mainly in fractures of greater complexity (Neer 4 parts and AO group C). However, in absolute values, inter and intra-observer reproducibility and concordance still remain low. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography with 3D reconstruction allows a better analysis of fractures of group C and Neer 4 parts. However, the inter and intra-observer agreement does not increase significantly in comparison to the radiographs. Level of evidence III, Study of non-consecutive patients, without gold standard, applied uniformly.

OBJETIVO: O uso de imagens em reconstrução 3D são um instrumento facilitador na interpretação da fratura, observações dos desvios, rotações e superfície articular. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a confiabilidade inter-observador e intra-observador da classificação da fratura de úmero proximal, descrita por Neer x AO, em radiografias versus tomografias computadorizadas com reconstrução tridimensional (3D). MÉTODOS: Avaliamos as radiografias digitais (anteroposterior e perfil) e tomografias computadorizadas com reconstrução 3D de pacientes que apresentavam fratura de úmero proximal, tratados cirurgicamente em um Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Todas as radiografias e tomografias computadorizadas foram classificadas (Neer e AO) por oito (8) cirurgiões ortopédicos especialistas em membro superior e enviadas, seguindo a numeração pré-estabelecida pelo autor, em uma planilha para o autor do trabalho. RESULTADOS: A classificação de Neer e AO foram mais reprodutíveis quando determinadas pela tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3D, principalmente em fraturas de maior complexidade (Neer 4 partes e AO grupo C). Porém, em valores absolutos, a reprodutibilidade e concordância inter e intraobservador ainda permanecem baixas. CONCLUSÃO: A tomografia com reconstrução 3D, permite uma melhor análise das fraturas do grupo C e Neer 4 partes. Entretanto, não aumenta significativamente a concordância global inter e intraobservador em comparação as radiografias. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de pacientes não consecutivos, sem padrão ouro, aplicados uniformemente.

Inter/intra-observer evaluation between radiographs and tomographies for proximal humerus fracture / Avaliação inter e intra-observador entre radiografias e tomografias para fratura de úmero proximal

ABSTRACT Objective: The use of images in 3D reconstruction is an instrument that facilitates the interpretation of the fracture, observations of deviations, rotations and articular surface. Objective: To evaluate the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the Neer x AO proximal humerus fracture classification on radiographs versus computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3D). Methods: We evaluated the digital radiographs (anteroposterior and profile) and computerized tomography with 3D reconstruction of patients presenting with a proximal humerus fracture, surgically treated at an Orthopedics and Traumatology Service. All radiographs and computed tomography were classified (Neer and AO) by eight (8) orthopedic surgeons, specialists in the upper limb and sent, following the pre-established numeration by the author, in a spreadsheet to the author of the study. Results: The Neer and AO scores were more reproducible when determined by computed tomography with 3D reconstruction, mainly in fractures of greater complexity (Neer 4 parts and AO group C). However, in absolute values, inter and intra-observer reproducibility and concordance still remain low. Conclusion: Computed tomography with 3D reconstruction allows a better analysis of fractures of group C and Neer 4 parts. However, the inter and intra-observer agreement does not increase significantly in comparison to the radiographs. Level of evidence III, Study of non-consecutive patients, without gold standard, applied uniformly.

RESUMO Objetivo: O uso de imagens em reconstrução 3D são um instrumento facilitador na interpretação da fratura, observações dos desvios, rotações e superfície articular. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade inter-observador e intra-observador da classificação da fratura de úmero proximal, descrita por Neer x AO, em radiografias versus tomografias computadorizadas com reconstrução tridimensional (3D). Métodos: Avaliamos as radiografias digitais (anteroposterior e perfil) e tomografias computadorizadas com reconstrução 3D de pacientes que apresentavam fratura de úmero proximal, tratados cirurgicamente em um Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Todas as radiografias e tomografias computadorizadas foram classificadas (Neer e AO) por oito (8) cirurgiões ortopédicos especialistas em membro superior e enviadas, seguindo a numeração pré-estabelecida pelo autor, em uma planilha para o autor do trabalho. Resultados: A classificação de Neer e AO foram mais reprodutíveis quando determinadas pela tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3D, principalmente em fraturas de maior complexidade (Neer 4 partes e AO grupo C). Porém, em valores absolutos, a reprodutibilidade e concordância inter e intraobservador ainda permanecem baixas. Conclusão: A tomografia com reconstrução 3D, permite uma melhor análise das fraturas do grupo C e Neer 4 partes. Entretanto, não aumenta significativamente a concordância global inter e intraobservador em comparação as radiografias. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de pacientes não consecutivos, sem padrão ouro, aplicados uniformemente.