Greater tuberosity fractures of the humerus: complications and long-term outcomes after surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures typically occur in younger patients following high-energy trauma compared to humeral neck fractures. Surgical treatment is indicated when superior displacement is > 5 mm. This study aimed to assess the complications and long-term outcomes of surgically-treated GT fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of 39 patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2014 was conducted. The cohort comprised 54.6% females, with an average age of 56.74 years and a median follow-up of 6.71 years. Only 25 patients returned for reevaluation, with functional outcomes assessed using Constant-Murley score. RESULTS: Women were older than men (63.00 ± 12.15 vs. 48.65 ± 16.93, p = 0.006). 18/39 patients (46.1%) sustained avulsion-type, 1 patient out of 39 (2.6%) depression-type, and 20/39 patients (51.3%) split-type fractures. The mean Constant-Murley score was 84.08 ± 18.36, with higher scores observed in men (p = 0.021). Avulsion-type fractures were related to higher postoperative scores compared to split fractures (p = 0.069). Post-surgical complications occurred in 20.5% of patients, with no differences noted between sexes, fracture types, or procedures. CONCLUSION: This study enhances understanding of the long-term outcomes of surgically-treated GT fractures, aiding in treatment selection. Interfragmentary screws may be preferable in younger male patients, but are associated with the higher risk of reintervention, particularly in fragile bone. Prospective multicentric studies are warranted to further elucidate long-term results and treatment strategies.

Outcomes of a cementless onlay short stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty in elderly patients: a comprehensive analysis of clinical and radiological findings.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of a short stem reverse shoulder prosthesis with metaphyseal fixation specifically in older patients. METHODS: All patients, older than 70 years, submitted to a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) using a cementless onlay short stem (Aequalis Ascend™ Flex Convertible Shoulder System (Stryker®)) from January 2017 to December 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, were included. Postoperative radiographs were assessed for stem loosening, subsidence, and varus-valgus tilt. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain, constant score, complication rate and revision rate were also analysed. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 75 years (range 71-83 years) were submitted to a cementless onlay short stem RSA with a Bone Increased Off-Set (BIO-RSA) construct. The mean follow-up period was 61 months (range 54-87). Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed for the constant score and range of motion from the preoperative state to final follow-up. One case exhibited a significant varus deviation (> 5˚) during the follow-up period. No case of stem loosening was identified. There was only one case of complication because of post-traumatic dislocation, but the stem didn't need revision. CONCLUSION: Short stem RSA, even in patients older than 70 years, can yield a stable fixation with a good clinical and radiological outcome at short-medium term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Study.

Comparative analysis of proximal humerus fracture management in elderly patients: complications of open reduction and internal fixation by shoulder surgeons and non-shoulder surgeons-a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a locking plate is a popular surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures (PHF). This study aimed to assess the occurrence of complications in elderly patients with PHF treated surgically using ORIF with a locking plate and to investigate the potential differences between patients treated by shoulder surgeons and non-shoulder surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a single-center database to identify patients aged ≥70 years who underwent ORIF for PHF between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Data on the Neer classification, follow-up, occurrence of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, implant failure, and revision surgery were also collected. Statistical analyses were performed to calculate the overall frequency of complications according to the Neer classification. RESULTS: The rates of implant failure, avascular osteonecrosis, and revision surgery were 15.7%, 4.8%, and 15.7%, respectively. Complications were more common in patients with Neer three- and four-part fractures. Although the difference between surgeries performed by shoulder surgeons and non-shoulder surgeons did not reach statistical significance, the rate of complications and the need for revision surgery were nearly two-fold higher in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS: PHF are highly prevalent in the elderly population. However, the ORIF surgical approach, as demonstrated in this study, is associated with a considerable rate of complications. Surgeries performed by non-shoulder surgeons had a higher rate of complications and a more frequent need for revision surgery. Future studies comparing surgical treatments and their respective complication rates are crucial to determine the optimal therapeutic options. Level of evidence: III.

Improved outcomes of older patients with acute and displaced proximal humerus fractures treated with window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the older people population remains controversial. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a popular surgical treatment option that provides improved and reproducible results. However, the relevance of fracture-specific stem designs for RSA to improve tuberosity consolidation and shoulder function remains debatable. METHODS: This study included all patients 70 years or older with acute and displaced PHFs primarily treated with RSA at a single institution in Portugal, between January 2010 and December 2019 who participated in a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (15 men and 97 women) with a median clinical follow-up of 52 months were included. The mean age at the time of fracture was 78.6 years. All fractures were classified as Neer types 3 and 4 (n = 50 and n = 62, respectively). A window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem was used for 86 patients, and a conventional humeral stem was used for 26 patients. Regarding the tuberosity fixation technique, 76 tuberosities were attached using technique A (according to Boileau's principles), 36 tuberosities were attached using technique B (not following Boileau's principles) and 11cases were classified as technique C (if fixation was not possible). The overall survival rate during the 2-year follow-up was 88.2%; however, this decreased to 79% at 5 years. Only three patients had complications (two infections and one dislocation) requiring revision surgery. In the multivariable analysis, the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.012) and tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001) were associated with improved Constant scores (median Constant Score 62.67 (technique A), 55.32 (technique B), 49.70 (technique C). Fracture-specific humeral implants (P = 0.051), the tuberosity fixation technique (P = 0.041), tuberosity anatomical consolidation (P < 0.001), and dementia influenced the achievement of functional mobility (P = 0.014). Tuberosity anatomic consolidation was positively associated with bone ingrowth fracture-specific humeral implants (P < 0.01) and a strong tuberosity fixation technique (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RSA is used for complex and displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in older patients. Dementia was negatively correlated with functional outcomes. A window bone ingrowth fracture-specific stem combined with strong tuberosity fixation can yield better clinical and radiological results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II; prospective comparative study; treatment study.

Comparative clinical and radiologic evaluation between patients undergoing standard reversed shoulder arthroplasty or bony increased offset.

BACKGROUND: Modifications of the medialized design of Grammont-type reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using a bony increased offset (BIO-RSA) has shown better clinical results and fewer complications. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical results, complications, and radiological outcomes between patients undergoing standard RSA and BIO-RSA. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 42 RSA procedures (22 standard RSA and 20 BIO-RSA). With a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, range of motion (ROM), Constant shoulder score (CSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and subjective shoulder score (SSS) were compared. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan were examined for scapular notching, glenoid and humeral fixation, and graft healing. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 12-48 months), a significant difference was found for active-internal rotation (P=0.038) and for passive-external rotation (P=0.013), with better results in BIO-RSA. No other differences were found in ROM, CSS (P=0.884), VAS score, and SSS. Graft healing and viability were verified in all patients with CT scan (n=34). The notching rate was 28% in the standard RSA group and 33% in the BIO-RSA group, but the standard RSA had more severe notching (grade 2) than BIO-RSA (P=0.039). No other significative differences were found in glenoid and humeral fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Bone-graft lateralization is associated with better internal and external rotation and with less severe scapular notching compared to the standard RSA. Integration of the bone graft occurs effectively, with no relevant changes observed on radiographic evaluation.

Asymmetric Bilateral Chronic Shoulder Dislocation in a Young Patient - A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: Chronic shoulder dislocations are infrequent and can be easily overlooked unless a carefully clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation are undertaken. Bilateral simultaneous instability is almost pathognomonic for a convulsive disorder. To the best of our knowledge, we describe the first case of asymmetric bilateral chronic dislocation. Case Report: A 34-year-old male patient with a history of epilepsy and schizophrenia and multiple seizure episodes, suffered a bilateral asymmetric shoulder dislocation. Radiological examination revealed a posterior shoulder dislocation of the right shoulder with a severe reverse Hill-Sachs lesion comprising more than 50% of the humeral head surface, while on the left shoulder, a chronic anterior shoulder dislocation with a Hill-Sachs lesion of moderate dimension. On the right shoulder, a hemiarthroplasty was performed, and on the left, a stabilization with Remplissage Technique, subscapularis plication, and temporary trans-articular Steinmann pin fixation was done. After bilateral rehabilitation, the patient showed residual pain in the left shoulder and slight range of motion limitation. There were no new episodes of shoulder instability. Conclusion: Our aim is to emphasize the importance of being alert to flag patients and make a prompt and accurate diagnosis of acute shoulder instability episodes, to avoid unnecessary morbidity, as well as of a high index of suspicion when a history of seizures is present. Despite the uncertain prognosis of a bilateral chronic shoulder dislocation functional results, the surgeon must take into consideration the patient's age, functional demand, and expectations to define the best treatment strategy.

Tuberosity Healing after Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: Is there Clinical Improvement?

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.

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.

Early Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) in patients with suspected acute infection after hip or knee arthroplasty - safe, effective and without negative functional impact.

Introduction: Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is known to be effective in treating acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, deciding to perform additional surgery in the early postoperative period may be challenging as there is the concern of adding morbidity and clinical presentation is often subtle. We mean to assess the impact of early DAIR on final functional outcome. Methods: A case-control comparison was performed between patients that underwent DAIR for suspected PJI between 2010-2016 and controls randomly selected (1:2 ratio) from a list of primary joint replacements. Patients were matched for anatomic site, age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, body mass index and follow-up time. The outcome of surgical treatment and complications were assessed and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were performed. Results: Thirty-eight cases were included at a mean follow-up of 42 months. Infection was not confirmed in one patient. There was one infection related-death and three other cases of treatment failure that required a two-stage revision. Overall success rate was 89.2%. There were no significant patient reported differences regarding final functional outcome between both groups: pain 91±6 vs. 87±13; other symptoms 90±8 vs. 90±9; activities of day living 86±8 vs. 85±14; sport 63±13 vs. 57±16; quality of life 78±17 vs. 76±16. Discussion: These findings support that DAIR for suspected acute PJI is safe, effective and causes no impact on final functional results. Thus, a low threshold for assuming infection and subsequent DAIR may safely be adopted in the early postoperative period.

Horner Syndrome After Anterior Revision Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Very Rare Complication: A Case Report.

CASE: We report a case of postoperative left-sided Horner syndrome (blepharoptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis) after revision surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. A C4 corpectomy and an anterior cervical fusion from C3 to C5 were performed through a left longitudinal approach in a patient with a surgical history of an anterior discectomy and a fusion from C5 to C6. One year after the revision surgery, the patient had recovered from the anhidrosis and the miosis, but the blepharoptosis was not fully resolved. CONCLUSION: Horner syndrome resulting from surgical injury to the ipsilateral cervical sympathetic chain is a very rare complication of anterior spine surgery that has been reported when the lower cervical levels have been approached. Awareness of this important cervical structure may help to avoid this complication.