Initial management of humeral shaft fractures with functional splints versus coaptation splints.

PURPOSE: Humerus shaft fractures are commonly acutely immobilized with coaptation splints (CS), which can be difficult to apply and poorly tolerated by the patient. Functional splints (FS), which work on the same principle as functional braces, are an alternative to CS. The purpose of this study was to directly compare CS and FS in terms of application and fracture reduction. METHODS: A retrospective review identified humeral shaft fractures managed nonoperatively with initial immobilization in a FS (n = 19) versus a CS (n = 15). In addition, 13 residents completed a blinded survey on splint application. RESULTS: The FS and CS groups did not differ in initial fracture angulation and translation on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. Post-splint application, there was no clinically relevant difference in fracture angulation/translation between groups, and this persisted at the subsequent follow-up visit. All residents reported that the FS was easier to apply and took less time. CONCLUSION: This study results demonstrated the FS results in similar reductions in humeral shaft fractures as CS. A survey of residents found that the FS was easier to apply, took less time, and was better tolerated by patients. Subsequently, we prefer the FS over the CS for the acute management of humeral shaft fractures.

Locking compression plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures: which one is better? A single-centre prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of interlocking nail (ILN) and locking plate fixation (LCP) for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: A total of 63 patients with displaced humeral shaft fractures between October 2014 and January 2017 were evaluated prospectively. They were divided randomly into two as LCP fixation (group 1) and interlocking nail (ILN) (group 2). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, and pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: After fracture callus was radiologically observed, DASH, ASES, and UCLA scores as well as SF-36 questionnaires and VAS results were noted to have no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.109, p = 0.082, p = 0.146, p = 0.322, and p = 0.175, respectively). At the last follow-up (post-operative 24 months), the UCLA score was significantly better in group 1 (p = 0.034), whereas VAS result was significantly worse in group 2 (p = 0.017). DASH, ASES scores, and SF-36 questionnaires had no difference (p = 0.193, p = 0.088, p = 0.289). Other parameters revealed no significant differences. Fracture consolidation was observed at a mean of four months in both groups (3 to 7 months in group 1 and 3 to 8 months in group 2) (p = 0.189). Four patients in group 1 and five patients in group 2 underwent surgery for nonunion (p = 0.725). Post-operative radial nerve palsy was seen in one patient in group 2. Two patients in group 1 with superficial infection were treated with antibiotics, and they recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding our results, the LCP group had significantly better shoulder function than the ILN group, whereas the ILN group had significantly less pain, with similar complication rates. Therefore, both procedures are favourable surgical options for patients with humeral shaft fractures.

Results of plate fixation for humerus fractures in a large single-center cohort.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to describe the results of plate fixation in one of the largest single-center cohorts that employs plate fixation as the golden standard. Additionally, risk factors related to a negative outcome were identified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated for a humeral shaft fracture in a level-one trauma center between January 2010 and December 2017 with a mean follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: Plate fixation was performed in 102 patients with a humeral shaft fracture. The mean age was 50 (SD 20) years with 54.9% (n = 56) being male. Forty-eight percent (n = 48) had an AO type-A, 34.3% (n = 35) type-B, and 18.7% (n = 19) type-C fracture. Deep surgical site infections and non-union occurred in 1% (n = 1) and 3.9% (n = 4) of patients, respectively. Revision of the implant was performed in 15.7% (n = 16) mainly due to implant-related complaints. Only one patient developed radial nerve palsy after surgery. The median duration to radiological fracture healing and full-weight bearing was 18 (range 7-65) weeks and 14 (range 6-56) weeks, respectively. Risk factors for negative outcome included higher age, osteoporosis, open and higher AO class fractures, performing surgery during out-office hours, and the use of LCP 3.5-mm plate and an anterolateral approach. CONCLUSION: Plate fixation for humeral shaft fractures has low risks of complications. It should be emphasized that the complications can be further minimized with a greater surgical expertise and by refraining from performing a surgery during out-office hours.

Newly designed minimally invasive plating of a humerus shaft fracture; a different introduction of the plate.

PURPOSE: Open reductions and internal fixations are currently being used the most in surgeries of humeral shaft fractures. However, there are some limitations such as invasive techniques and formation of many operation scars. To overcome these limitations, a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis has been recently introduced. However, this has technical limitations such as deep dissections of the distal portion and narrowness of the fixation space. To address these problems, we designed another introductory technique of a minimally invasive osteosynthesis and we have examined the clinical usefulness of that. METHODS: The results were retrospectively analyzed with 83 patients who visited INHA hospital due to a humeral shaft fractures and who had undergone the above said surgery from the beginning of 2010 to the end of 2012. The patients were divided into two groups: patients treated by the MIPO technique using the newly designed dual approaches (group A) and patients treated by open reduction and plating internal fixation (group B). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean duration of injury, the mean fracture union time, range of motion and MEPI for group A and B. There was no statistical significance between the two groups. However, the occurrence of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in group B, was significantly higher than in group A. CONCLUSIONS: MIPOs using the dual approaches on the adult humerus shaft fracture show an excellent bony union without nerve injury which is clinically useful.

Functional and radiological outcome of Intramedullary nailing vs. plate fixation for humeral shaft fractures. Does treatment method bring any difference?

BACKGROUD: Operative Management of Humeral shaft fractures may be accomplished with the help of Plate fixation or IM Nails. Controversy exists as to which modality is superior to the other in terms of fewer complications and better functional and radiological outcome. OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in radiological and functional outcome of humeral shaft fractures managed by platefixation and antegrade intramedullary nails. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of Patients managed surgically for uncomplicated humeral shaft fractures between 2007 and 2012. The patients were followed up for one year at clinic, and radiographs and clinical assessment were used to complete the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and HandQuestionnaire. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 61 patients, 39(64%) underwent plating and 22(36%) had intramedullary nailing. There was no significant difference in terms of mean age and mean duration of surgery in the two groups (p>0.05 each). Also, no significant difference was noted in the duration of healing with either of the two methods (p>0.05). Mean Questionnaire score for plating was 23.9±17.7, while for intramedullary nailing it was 21.7±19.8 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the radiological and functional outcome of patients in the two groups.

Trends in Epidemiology and Treatment of Humerus Fractures in the United States, 2017-2022.

Background Fractures of the humerus are one of the more common fractures in the United States and a cause of fragility fractures in the elderly population. This study aims to understand recent trends in the demographic factors correlated with humeral shaft fractures (HSF) and humeral shaft fracture nonunion (HSFN) following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN). Methods The TriNetX database was used to query using International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD10) diagnosis codes for patients who sustained HSF between 2017 and 2022. Patients were then organized into cohorts based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 24515 and 24516 for ORIF and IMN of HSFs, respectively. Subsequent nonunion after operative management was queried. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed to examine the differences observed between patients based on age, sex, ethnicity, race, and smoking status as well as surgical management across the six-year study period. Results The incidence of HSF increased from 7,108 in 2017 to 8,450 in 2022. The rate of HSF ORIF increased from 12% to 17% while the nonunion rate following ORIF decreased from 4% to 3%. The rate of HSF IMN increased from 4% to 6% and the rate of nonunion following IMN increased from 2% to 4%. The overall rate of HSFN surgery was 1.7% with slight decreasing trend over the past year. Conclusion It is speculated that improved care and surgical indications resulted in a lower rate of nonunion despite an increase in the overall rate of HSF and its operative managements.

Treatment of distal third humeral shaft fractures with posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with segmental isolation of the radial nerve: minimum one-year follow-up.

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation with plate is one of the most widely used treatments for distal third humeral shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of the treatment of distal third humeral shaft fractures with posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with segmental isolation of the radial nerve. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective, consecutive, monocentric, continuous multioperator study. We reviewed 22 distal third humeral shaft fractures treated with posterior MIPO in our institution with an extra-articular distal humerus plate from 2018 to 2021. Inclusion was limited to functionally independent patients with displaced fractures involving the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the humerus and minimum 12-month follow-up for implant removal. We assessed clinical outcomes including range of motion; QuickDASH score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; and Constant-Murley score. Results: The average follow-up period of the sample was 31.7 ± 11.6 months (range, 15.7-51.3 months). The average elbow flexion and extension were 146.4° ± 7.3° (range, 120°-150°) and -0.7° ± 3.3° (range, -15° to 0°), respectively. The average shoulder anterior flexion, elevation, and abduction were 178.6° ± 3.6° (range, 170°-180°), 179.1° ± 2.9° (range, 170°-180°), and 140.9° ± 14.8° (range, 110°-160°), respectively. The average external rotation was 88.6° ± 6.4 (range, 65°-90°). The mean visual analog scale score for pain was 1.0 ± 1.6 (range, 0-5) and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 90.5 ± 9.9 (range, 70-100). The mean QuickDASH and Constant-Murley scores were 4.7 ± 6.8 (range, 0-20.5) and 95.5 ± 5.1 (range, 81-100), respectively. Two patients presented with relevant compromise of radial nerve motor function postoperatively (M3 and M2; the more compromised was preoperative injury). All patients recovered radial nerve neuropraxia within six weeks postoperatively. All fractures achieved union. The average anteroposterior and lateral axis were 175.0 ± 3.6 (168.0°-180.0°) and 177.5 ± 2.0 (173.0°-180.0°), respectively. No superficial or deep infection was reported. No cases of re-displacement of fracture, implant failure, or any other implant-related complication in follow-up were reported. No patient required plate withdrawal. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the posterior MIPO technique is a reliable option for treating distal third shaft humeral fractures. The radial nerve must be identified and protected in all cases to prevent palsy.

Evaluation of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Humeral Shaft Fracture Treated With Locking Compression Plate.

Background The best surgical procedure for humeral shaft fractures is still plate and screw fixation. Researchers have shown that plate fixation lessens the occurrence of malunion and nonunion. This study aims to describe the functional and radiological outcomes of a humerus shaft fracture treated with a locking compression plate (LCP) using the visual analog scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scoring systems. Method From December 2020 to July 2022, 25 patients with humerus shaft fractures were enrolled in the prospective observational study at RL Jalappa Hospital, which is affiliated with Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar. We have included closed and open type 1 fractures as per the Gustilo-Anderson classification and excluded humerus shaft fractures associated with neurovascular injury, pathological fractures, and ipsilateral upper limb long bone (radius and ulna) fractures. For a humerus shaft fracture, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) + LCP was done on patients who were fit for surgery, had normal test results, and were given the right kind of anesthesia. Every six weeks, every three months, and every six months, patients had regular reviews. A check X-ray was taken each time a patient attended, and we assessed them clinically and radiologically for fracture union, functional outcome, and comorbidities. The patient's DASH and VAS ratings were assessed at the follow-up visit. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to analyze the data. Result The mean age of the study participants was 33 years, with a standard deviation of 8.9 years. Among the study participants, about 60% of the individuals were males. About 40% of the individuals had injuries due to motorcycle accidents, and 88% of the individuals had direct injuries. Only 12% of the individuals had disease complications. This study recorded a 100% union rate among the study samples. Among the study participants who have histories of hypertension, closed fractures have shown significant improvement according to VAS scores. Among the study participants who were males, those who presented with indirect injury, no history of fracture, right side involvement, and absence of complications showed significant improvement according to the DASH score. Conclusion LCP is reliable for the union of fractures in patients of any age and activity level since we can use it at all levels of the humeral shaft and can achieve 100% union when used with the right principles and osteogenic stimulus. LCPs repair humeral shaft fractures well because they can achieve good functional and radiological results and have few adverse effects.

Closed Humerus Shaft and Distal Humerus Fractures with associated Brachial Artery Thrombosis in Adult Patients and its Management -A Case Series.

Introduction: The humerus fractures can present as isolated or associated with other injuries and these fractures can be associated with both primary and secondary iatrogenic or traumatic neurovascular injuries. The timely management of these injuries helps in preventing catastrophic consequences. Case Presentation: Two cases of humerus fractures were presented with brachial artery thrombosis. First case is 56-year-old female with distal humerus fracture and second is 32-year-old female with humerus shaft fracture. Both the patients had feeble pulse at the time of presentation. Urgent CT angiography of the upper limb was performed and vascular surgeon intervention was taken. First case showed complete non opacification of distal brachial artery due to thrombosis, which was managed with bicolumnar plating with embolectomy. The second case of humerus shaft fracture showed non contrast opacification at the fracture, which was managed with intramedullary nailing with removal of the bony fragment impinging on the artery and embolectomy. Postoperatively, both the patients are having good functional and radiological outcome without any complications. Conclusion: Proper early clinical evaluation for vascular deficits helps to prevent the delayed diagnosis and radiological investigations helps to identify the cause and location of the vascular insults. Early surgical intervention in association with vascular surgeons helps in getting better outcome and prevents complications related to vascular injuries.

An unusual mechanism of sideswipe injury in passengers traveling in a train and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Sideswipe injuries are most commonly described in passengers traveling in a car or bus, but here we report an unusual mode of sideswipe injuries, in passengers traveling in a train sitting on window seats with elbow protruding outside the window. CASE SERIES: Four patients reported to our Orthopaedic emergency 2 hours after a railway track accident with more or less similar pattern of injury, an open proximal forearm monteggia fracture-dislocation with bone and soft tissue loss along with closed fracture humerus, and with or without radial nerve palsy and intact distal pulses. We followed a multidisciplinary approach with initial wound lavage followed by wound debridement, stabilization of monteggia and humerus fractures with different justifiable modalities of treatment with an exploration of the radial nerve. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Sideswipe injury is a well-known case entity in literature, classically described mode of trauma is when an elbow protruding out of the window of a vehicle struck by a moving or fixed object. However, in our series patients sitting in a train on window seat with elbow protruding outside sustained sideswipe injury which has not been reported in literature. We also explained the mechanism of impact forces caused bony and soft tissue injury in our series presented in diagrammatic representation. Hence, the purpose of this case series is to spread the awareness regarding such kind of preventable injury which can be easily prevented with awareness, and an appropriate preventive measure can be taken by the local administration.

Length of stay and 30-day readmissions after isolated humeral shaft fracture open reduction and internal fixation compared to intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN) have similar union rates for treating humerus shaft fractures, but IMN leads to increased incidence of shoulder impingement and reoperation. The difference in 30-day readmission rate and length of stay (LOS) between these procedures is unknown. The objective of the study was to compare 30-day unplanned readmissions and length of stay between humeral shaft fractures fixed with either ORIF or IMN. METHODS: The nationwide readmissions database (NRD) was queried for patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with ORIF or IMN between 2015-2016. IMN cases were propensity matched to ORIF cases based on demographic and co-morbid variables. Multivariable logistic regression determined if treatment modality was an independent risk factor for 30-day readmission or length of stay >3 days. RESULTS: There were 406 patients treated with IMN matched to 406 patients treated with ORIF. The 30-day readmission rate was 6.4% for IMN and 4.9% for ORIF (p = 0.45), and the median LOS was 3 days for each group (p = 0.45). Congestive heart failure (CHF)(OR=2.7, p = 0.04), depression (OR=3.3, p = 0.0008), and electrolyte abnormality (OR=3.6, p = 0.0003) were independent risk factors for readmission. Older age (OR=1.02, p = 0.03), CHF (OR=2.4, p = 0.03), electrolyte abnormality (OR=2.6, p = 0.0001), obesity (OR=2.8, p<0.0001), Medicaid (OR=2.1, p = 0.04), discharge to a facility (OR = 5.2, p<0.0001), discharge with home health services (OR=2.4, p = 0.0003), and open fracture (OR=2.3, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for LOS >3 days. Procedure (ORIF vs. IMN) was not a predictor of 30-day readmission or LOS >3 days. CONCLUSION: Comorbid conditions are risk factors for 30-day readmission and increased LOS. Comorbidity, discharge disposition, and open fractures are risk factors for increased LOS. Treating humeral shaft fractures with either ORIF or IMN did not affect readmission or length of stay.

Combined Olecranon Osteotomy and the Posterior Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Approach for a Concomitant Injury of the Humeral Shaft and a Distal Intraarticular Humerus Fracture.

A complex fracture involving the distal humerus is a difficult fracture to treat and more so when it is involved with the ipsilateral shaft of the humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation of the humeral shaft with articular reconstruction have been described for a successful outcome of these complex fractures. However, it has drawbacks, especially in terms of soft tissue dissection and subsequent scarring and non-union. A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a fracture of the intercondylar humerus with an ipsilateral shaft of the left humerus. Combined olecranon osteotomy with posterior minimal plate osteosynthesis was used to treat this fracture. At the one-year follow-up at the postoperative fracture clinic, there was no pain, the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow was 10 degrees to 140 degrees and the radiograph showed a healed fracture with the implant in situ. We present and review a novel technique to treat complex humerus fractures. Articular fragments can be directly visualized and fixed simultaneously. This approach allows for the biological fixation of the fracture and forms a reliable option for treating such complex fractures.

Race and gender influence management of humerus shaft fractures.

This study examined the relationship of surgical management of humerus shaft fractures (HSFs) with race, gender, insurance status, and presence of lower extremity fracture in 19,818 patients from the National Trauma Data Bank years 2007-2012. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, black males (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66-0.81, p < 0.001) and white females (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.91, p < 0.001) had reduced odds of surgery compared to white males. Insurance status was not significant. These disparities may reflect bias within the surgical treatment team.

Primary Exploration of Radial Nerve is Not Required for Radial Nerve Palsy while Treating Humerus Shaft Fractures with Unreamed Humerus Nails (UHN).

BACKGROUND: Today, humerus nails have become the surgical method of choice in the treatment of humerus shaft fractures. Whether or not the radial nerve should be intraoperatively examined by default in case of primary paresis is currently under discussion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical findings from 38 patients with humeral shaft fractures surgically treated with unreamed humerus nail (UHN) at the Department of Accident Surgery, University Clinics Bonn, Germany, between 2000 and 2003 were retrospectively assessed. Constant Score was applied for evaluation of functional results. RESULTS: In 40% of patients, primary radial nerve paresis was present. This was especially common after high energy trauma (e.g. traffic accident) and significantly increased in fractures of the middle third. In 93% of cases, spontaneous remission of motor and sensory loss was observed. No iatrogenic radial nerve impairment occurred. CONCLUSION: Due to the high rates of spontaneous remissions of radial nerve palsy after treatment with UHN in humerus shaft fractures, primar exploration of the radial nerve does not appear to be necessary.