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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Neurological complications in children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of primary and secondary nerve injury in supracondylar fractures of the humerus, and to find out which factors may be responsible for iatrogenic nerve injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University Hospital, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: 32 children admitted with type II or type III supracondylar fracture of the humerus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of primary and secondary nerve injury and their relation to type of fracture and treatment. RESULTS: 3 patients developed primary nerve injuries (9%). 4 further children developed nerve injury during treatment. All these children had several closed reductions attempted before definitive treatment was given (either pinning with a Kirschner wire or overhead traction). CONCLUSION: Several attempts at closed reduction may cause iatrogenic nerve injury in unstable supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for irreducible supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of severely displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children remains a challenge. We retrospectively assessed the outcomes of the minimally invasive open reduction techniques used in our institutions for the treatment of grade 3 supracondylar fractures in children which could not be reduced by closed manipulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 78 children (58 boys) with severely displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus and severe swelling were treated with either a minimal incision in the anticubital fossa and manipulation of the distal fragment with the thumb, or a small stab incision and manipulation of the fracture fragment with a small-sized suction tip. The fractures were stabilized with 1.6-mm Kirschner wires. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: The outcome after a follow-up of at least 3 years was excellent in 76 cases and poor in 2 cases. No scar contractures or other complications were observed. These techniques seem safe and effective in the treatment of irreducible grade 3 supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for proximal humerus, forearm, and wrist fractures in elderly men and women: the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.

Fractures of the proximal humerus, forearm, and wrist account for approximately one third of total osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Several risk factors for these fractures were evaluated in this prospective study of 739 men and 1,105 women aged > or =60 years in Dubbo, Australia. During follow-up (1989-1996), the respective incidences of humerus and of forearm and wrist fractures, per 10,000 person-years, were 22.6 and 33.8 for men and 54.8 and 124.6 for women. Independent predictors of humerus fracture were femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) (relative risk (RR) = 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 4.5) in men and FNBMD (RR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7, 3.5) and height loss (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.2) in women. For forearm and wrist fractures, risk factors were FNBMD (men: RR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0, 2.3; women: RR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.9) and height loss (men: RR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.3; women: RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.2). In addition, dietary calcium (men: RR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.6) and a history of falls (women: RR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6) were also significant. These data suggest that elderly men and women largely share common risk factors for upper limb fractures and that FNBMD is the primary risk factor.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1997

Open fractures of the humerus treated with external fixation.

Twenty-three patients with open fractures of the humerus who had been treated with immediate external fixation were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen patients had adequate followup and were included in this study. Four patients (22%) had Gustilo and Anderson Grade I injury; 1 (5%), Grade II; and 13 (72%), Grade III (1 IIIA, 2 IIIB, and 10 IIIC). Fourteen patients (78%) had associated neurologic injury, of which 9 involved multiple nerves. A unilateral external fixation frame with half pins proximal and distal to the fracture site was used in all but 1 case. In 8 patients (44%) with distal humerus fractures, the external fixator crossed the elbow joint. All upper extremities in this series were salvaged. The duration of external fixation averaged 11 weeks. Complications included 3 malunions, 1 delayed union, 8 (44%) pin tract infections, 2 pin tract sequestrum formation, and 2 late fractures after removal of the external fixator. At followup (average, 34 months), function was rated as good or excellent in 12 patients (70%). There were 1 fair and 4 poor results. External fixation of complicated fractures of the humerus allowed associated injuries to the nerves, arteries, and soft tissues to be treated adequately while maintaining skeletal stability.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reliability of a modified Gartland classification of supracondylar humerus fractures.

Fracture-classification systems are used to recommend treatment and predict outcomes. In this study, a modified Gartland classification system of supracondylar humerus fractures in children was assessed for intraobserver and interobserver variability. Five observers classified radiographs of 50 consecutive children with extension supracondylar humerus fractures on three separate occasions. After a 2-week interval, 90% of fractures were classified the same on both readings, with and intraobserver kappa value of 0.84. After a 36-week interval, 89% of the fractures were classified the same, with a kappa value of 0.81. Interobserver reliability was evaluated by pairwise comparison among observers, resulting in an overall kappa value of 0.74. The reliability of the Gartland classification for supracondylar humerus fractures in children is better than that published for other fracture-classification systems. However, 10% of the time, a second reading by the same observer is different. This makes treatment recommendations based only on fracture type imprecise.

Child↗
PubMed1988

Semitubular blade plate for fixation in the proximal humerus.

Rigid internal fixation is frequently difficult to obtain in the proximal humerus, as osteoporotic bone and small fracture fragments may preclude firm purchase of plates and/or screws. We describe our clinical results using a semitubular plate, fashioned into a blade plate device, for fixation of four displaced fractures and three osteotomies of the proximal humerus. All patients were clinically and radiographically united by 4 months postoperatively and had a functional range of motion. The strength of this fixation was compared to that of an AO "T" plate in an oblique subcapital osteotomy model using 10 matched pairs of human humeri. No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated between the two fixation methods with regard to load to failure, yield load, energy absorbed to failure, or stiffness. As a consequence of these studies, we believe the semitubular blade plate expands the options available for challenging fixations in the proximal humerus.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning versus open reduction and percutaneous pinning in displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children.

A retrospective review of 29 children with displaced supracondylar humerus fractures was performed. Fifteen patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and 14 patients treated with open reduction and percutaneous pinning were evaluated at a minimum of 18 months (range 18-80 months). Results were graded according to the criteria of Flynn et al. (Flynn JC, Matthews JG, Benoit RL: Blind pinning of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 56:263-272, 1974) using both cosmetic and functional evaluations. Excellent or good results were obtained in 14 of the 15 fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and in 12 of the 14 fractures treated with open reduction and percutaneous pinning. The three fair cosmetic results were associated with inadequate reduction and residual medial angulation. Ten to 15 degrees of motion loss occurred in three older patients. One patient in each group had a minor pintract infection. There were no cases of iatrogenic nerve injury or myositis ossificans. The treatment goal in displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children is anatomic reduction. If an anatomic reduction cannot be achieved with closed reduction, open reduction is indicated. This can be done without an increased risk of complications.

Bone Nails↗
PubMed1994

Treatment of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus with a modified cloverleaf plate.

Twenty-six patients, ranging in age from 19 to 62 years (average 55), were evaluated an average of 6 years and 2 months (range 1-12 years) after open reduction and internal fixation of a three- or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus using a modified cloverleaf plate. Six patients had an associated dislocation of the humeral head. All fractures healed. No avascular necrosis of the humeral head was observed at follow-up. Twenty-two patients had an excellent result, two a good result, and two a fair result. The modified cloverleaf plate proved to be an excellent method for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation of three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus should be considered as initial treatment by an experienced surgeon, oven before use of a prosthetic replacement, which is recommended only for elderly patients with osteopenia.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pectoralis major tendon avulsion in association with a proximal humerus fracture.

We report a very rare case of an avulsion of the pectoralis major tendon in association with a two-part proximal humerus fracture. Pectoralis major tendon avulsion was confirmed intraoperatively during open reduction and internal fixation of the humerus fracture. In retrospect, the preoperative radiographic finding of posterolateral and proximal displacement of the humeral shaft suggested an injury to the pectoralis major. Because others have reported that the best treatment of a pectoralis major tendon avulsion is surgical repair, we feel that it is important to suspect such an injury in a proximal humerus fracture when this anatomic displacement is present.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture and Monteggia lesion: a case report.

Two to 13% of supracondylar humerus fractures in children are associated with an ipsilateral forearm fracture, most of which are distal radius fractures. We present an unusual case of a 2-year-old girl with an ipsilateral supracondylar humerus fracture and a Monteggia lesion. Our management consisted of percutaneous K-wire fixation of the supracondylar humerus fracture and percutaneous insertion of an intramedullary K-wire for stabilization of the ulna fracture. Our patient had an excellent result, and we would recommend this method of fixation for similar injuries.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2003

A comparison of open reduction and internal fixation and primary total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fractures in women older than age 65.

OBJECTIVE: To compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for intraarticular distal humerus fractures in women older than 65 years of age. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Information was obtained from a Level 1 trauma center with fellowship-trained traumatologists and a tertiary care center with fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons. PATIENTS: Patients were 24 women older than age 65 who sustained distal humerus fractures that required surgical treatment with clinical follow-up at a minimum of 2 years. All fractures were OTA classification 13.C2 or 13.C3. No patients were lost to follow-up. INTERVENTION: ORIF or TEA was the treatment method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The Mayo Elbow Performance score and the need for revision surgery were established as the means of patient evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Using the Mayo Elbow Performance score, the outcomes of the 12 patients treated with ORIF were as follows: 4 excellent, 4 good, 1 fair, and 3 poor (cases that required conversion to TEA). Outcomes of the 12 patients treated with TEA were as follows: 11 excellent and 1 good. There were no fair or poor outcomes in the TEA group. No patients treated with TEA required revision surgery. We believe TEA to be a viable treatment option for distal intraarticular humerus fractures in women older than age 65. This is particularly true for women with associated comorbidities, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and conditions requiring the use of systemic steroids.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of surgical neck nonunions of the humerus.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of nonunions of the surgical neck of the humerus. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients who underwent operative treatment of a surgical neck of the humerus nonunion. SETTING: Shoulder and elbow service at two university centers. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients with a two-part nonunion of the surgical neck of the humerus who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bone graft with a minimum of 12 months' follow-up were included. Patients with avascular necrosis, posttraumatic arthritis, severe humeral head bone loss, or a nonunion of one of the two tuberosities were excluded. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation with either a blade plate or a T-plate and autogenous bone graft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical records, operative reports, physical examination, and preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. Outcome was assessed using Neer's criteria for the evaluation of total shoulder arthroplasty, visual analogue pain scale, range of motion, and ability to perform activities of daily living.RESULTS The results were excellent in 11 patients, satisfactory in 1 patient, and poor in 1 patient. The 11 nonunions in patients with excellent results healed within 6 months. The patient with the poor result initially had a persistent nonunion and required revision, open reduction and internal fixation, and bone grafting. This patient healed and went on to have an excellent result at final follow-up. All fractures were healed at the time of this study. Pain scores decreased from an average of 4.2 preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively on a 5-point pain scale. Forward elevation in the scapular plane improved from 24 degrees preoperatively to 144 degrees postoperatively. All patients but one were able to attain overhead elevation. All patients were able to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, combing hair, and performing perineal care, at final follow-up. Overall satisfaction increased from an average of 1.0 to 9.4 on a 10-point visual analogue scale. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation with autogenous bone graft results in excellent outcomes even in patients >65 years old and patients with significant medical problems. This treatment method offers predictable fracture healing and has a low complication rate.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

Olecranon osteotomy for exposure of fractures and nonunions of the distal humerus.

Although olecranon osteotomy provides excellent exposure of the distal humerus, enthusiasm for this approach has been limited by reports suggesting numerous complications. It has been suggested that specific techniques for creating and repairing an olecranon osteotomy may help limit complications. This paper describes a technique for olecranon osteotomy using an apex, distal, chevron-shaped osteotomy, Kirschner wires directed out the anterior ulnar cortex distal to the coronoid process and bent 180degrees and impacted into the olecranon proximally, and two 22- gauge, figure-of-eight, stainless steel tension wires. A single surgeon used this technique for exposure of a fracture (16 patients) or nonunion (29 patients) of the distal humerus in 45 consecutive patients. One patient returned to activity too soon, had loosening of the wire fixation, and required a second operation for plate fixation of the ulna. The remaining 44 osteotomies (98%) healed with good alignment within 6 months. There were no broken or migrated wires prior to healing. Twelve patients (27%) had removal of the wires used to repair the olecranon: in 6 patients, this was for symptoms related to the wires (13%); 1 for septic olecranon bursitis, and 5 at the time of another procedure (elbow capsular release in 4 patients and submuscular ulnar nerve transposition in 1). Olecranon osteotomy can be used for exposure of the distal humerus with a low rate of complications when specific techniques are used.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Closed management and percutaneous fixation of unstable proximal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: In dealing with displaced proximal humerus fractures, there is still much controversy in treatment modalities. The latest investigations emphasize the concept of minimal exposure and rigid fixation. METHODS: The technique of closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with cannulated screws and k-pins was performed on 19 patients with two- and three-part proximal humerus fractures. The outcomes were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 21 months. RESULTS: All except one case had a solid union of the fracture. Sixteen of 19 patients (84%) acquired good or excellent results according to Neer's classification. No further collapse or avascular necrosis was found. CONCLUSION: The method of closed reduction and percutaneous fixation, although technically demanding, yields satisfactory results in displaced proximal humerus fracture. Cannulated screws provided rigid fixation that was the underlying tenet for early functional retrieval.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Locked nailing for displaced surgical neck fractures of the humerus.

OBJECTIVE: To report experience with a newly devised humeral locked nail for treating surgical neck fractures of the humerus. This device has the advantages of a small diameter for minimal tissue trauma and transfixing locking screws for reliable fixation. METHODS: From 1993 to 1996, 21 consecutive severely displaced surgical neck fractures of the humerus were antegrade nailed with humeral locked nails; 2 fractures were associated with dislocation and 1 fracture was a comminuted metaphyseal fracture with a failed plating. The average age of patients was 65.8 years; average follow-up time was 19.2 months. The proximal screws were applied upward in 5 patients and downward in 16 patients. Static locking was performed in 8 patients, dynamic locking in 13 others. RESULTS: The average operation time was 55 minutes. No patients needed blood transfusion. All fractures eventually achieved union with an average time to union of 14.8 weeks. On the basis of Neer criteria for outcome analysis, excellent or satisfactory results were obtained for 86% of the patients (18 of 21 patients). No patients had deep infection, implant failure, malunion, osteonecrosis, or nail migration that interfered with joint motion. Due to technique errors, one patient had shoulder joint impingement caused by protrusion of the proximal nail tip. CONCLUSION: The operative method reported here has the advantages of minimal tissue trauma, minimal hardware application, sufficient fixation, and easy operative technique, and it can be a worthy alternative for the treatment of severely displaced surgical neck fractures of the humerus.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Condylar fractures of the distal humerus in adults.

Condylar fractures of the distal humerus are serious and in many instances pose a difficult treatment problem for the orthopedist. From 1969 to 1974, 24 condylar fractures of the distal humerus were treated at the University of Alabama Hospitals. Twenty of the fractures were closed and four were open. Eighteen fractures were treated open and fixed with a variety of K-wires and screws, and six fractures were treated closed. One postoperative wound infection occurred. Based on the 18 cases in which follow-up was sufficient to assess end result, we concluded that in comminuted fractures of the distal end of the humerus in adults, it may be technically very difficult to restore anatomic continuity. When secure fixation cannot be obtained or when the injury is of such a nature that internal fixation is contraindicated, such as a gunshot wound, traction may provide a functional range of motion. In fractures where good continuity and firm fixation can be obtained, open reduction and internal fixation give a superior functional range of motion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Pathologic fractures of the humerus.

In a study of 57 actual or impending pathologic fractures of the humerus in 52 patients with inoperable cancer treated between 1972 and 1982, we retrospectively reviewed the charts for analysis and comparison of the functional result and pain relief afforded by the various treatments used. Function of the extremity and relief of pain were each graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor using a modification of Perez's rating system. Seven pathologic fractures were treated nonoperatively. These patients generally had only fair pain relief and a poor functional result. Forty-six pathologic fractures were treated with intramedullary fixation using a Rush rod (n = 16), a Küntscher rod (n = 29), or an Ender rod (n = 1); the Neer endoprosthesis was used in four patients. Thirty-one patients received radiation to the humerus. There were seven operative complications, the most common (n = 3) being prominence of an intramedullary rod at the insertion site which required a second minor procedure for advancement of the rod. From this series, we conclude that any patient who has a pathologic fracture or impending fracture of the humerus and a predicted survival of six weeks or more is likely to benefit from rigid internal fixation with an appropriately selected device, adjunctive use of methylmethacrylate, and postoperative local irradiation therapy as needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Locking compression plates for osteoporotic nonunions of the diaphyseal humerus.

Poor bone quality increases the technical difficulty and complications of operative treatment of nonunions and delayed unions of the diaphyseal humerus in older patients. Plates with screws that lock to the plate (transforming each screw into a fixed blade) are intended to improve the fixation of poor quality bone. Twenty-four patients (20 women, four men) with an average age of 72 years (range, 52-86 years) were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after locking compression plate fixation of an osteopenic delayed union (nine patients) or nonunion (15 patients) of the diaphyseal humerus. Twelve patients had iliac crest cancellous bone grafts, two patients had local graft, and 13 patients had demineralized bone applied to the fracture site. All the fractures eventually healed; two healed after a second procedure for autogenous bone grafting in patients who initially received demineralized bone. Using a modification of the Constant and Murley shoulder score, the results were good or excellent in 22 patients, and fair in two patients. Locking compression plates provide stable fixation of poor quality bone in patients with delayed union or nonunion of the humerus. Successful union and restoration of function are achieved in most patients. We no longer consider osteoporosis a contraindication to operative fixation of an ununited fracture of the humeral diaphysis.

Aged↗