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PubMed2006

Biomechanical comparison of two different periarticular plating systems for stabilization of complex distal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures are relatively uncommon injuries but are fraught with poor outcomes such as malunion, elbow stiffness and deformity. Various types of internal fixation screw-plate constructs have been developed to improve fixation. Specifically, a 90 degrees offset periarticular system lowers the profile on the lateral epicondyle, yet it is unclear how this design compares to other plate constructs. This study compared the mechanical stiffness and plate surface strains between two types of constructs for stabilization of complex distal humerus fractures. METHODS: Identical bi-columnar segmental intra-articular fractures were created in ten epoxy composite left humeri. Models were randomly assigned to two groups (n=5/group) with either parallel plates or perpendicular plates. Rosette strain gages were placed at the most distal possible space on the lateral plate for both constructs. Models were mechanically tested with estimates of physiologic loads in flexion, extension, varus, valgus axial compression and axial torsion. Data for mechanical stiffness, transverse plate strain and longitudinal plate strain were compared with a one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). FINDINGS: There was no statistical difference in stiffness in any direction. The longitudinal strain for the 90 degrees construct was significantly lower in axial compression. The 180 degrees system demonstrated significantly lower transverse strains during axial torsion. INTERPRETATION: Both systems demonstrated similar mechanical stiffness theoretically providing similar fracture stabilization. Plate strain differences may affect fragment position, but it is unclear how much plate loading occurs in vivo. Surgeon experience and preference may dictate the choice of a plate construct for this fracture configuration.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2003

The LCP-concept in the operative treatment of distal humerus fractures--biological, biomechanical and surgical aspects.

Distal humerus fractures in adults are treated by open reduction and internal fixation, which produces good results in the majority of patients. However, in elderly patients or in cases with metaphyseal comminution, stable fracture fixation still remains problematic. Anatomical joint reconstruction and primary stable osteosynthesis are often particularly difficult to achieve in this group of patients since poor bone mineral quality is frequently encountered. Consequently, longer immobilization is necessary, which is known to negatively influence functional outcome. Over the past few years, double-plate osteosynthesis techniques using different configurations have become the treatment of choice. Nevertheless, complications due to inappropriate primary stability and/or implant failure have been described. Investigations on whether the recently introduced Locking Compression Plates (LCPs) could enhance primary stability are rare. On the basis of clinical and biomechanical experiences, the authors consider LCPs a helpful tool for increasing primary stability in osteosynthesis of distal humerus fractures. LCPs might be of substantial advantage in patients with diminished bone mineral quality or in the presence of metaphyseal comminution.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Surgical treatment of acute displaced fractures of adult distal humerus with reconstruction plate.

We evaluated the results of the use of AO reconstruction plates in the open reduction and internal fixation of acute displaced fractures of the adult distal humerus. This was a retrospective study of such patients where the main surgical strategy was open reduction and internal fixation with AO reconstruction plates. From 1992 to 1998, 40 patients were included. Average follow-up was 98 (60-127) months. All the fractures united with the union time of 11.7 (9-16) weeks. Early post-operative complications developed in four patients (10%), including wound infection in two (5%) and iatrogenic ulnar neuropathy in another two (5%). At follow-up, 24 (60%) patients developed grade 1 osteoarthritis and eight (20%) developed grade 2 osteoarthritis. Thirty-five patients (87.5%) got good to excellent functional results and 35 cases (87.5%) were satisfied with their surgical results. In conclusion, open reduction and internal fixation with AO reconstruction plate is very useful and effective in the treatment of displaced fractures of the adult distal humerus.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Two-part surgical neck fractures of the humerus: mechanical analysis of the fixation with four Shanz-type threaded pins in four different assemblies.

The configuration of percutaneous pinning may affect the stability of the fixation of 2-part surgical neck fractures of the humerus. In this investigation, the mechanical properties of four different pin configurations were analyzed by use of 36 fresh-frozen swine femora as an experimental model. The bones were selected according to previously established morphologic parameters. A transverse osteotomy was made in the proximal metaphyseal region of the bone, and the pins were inserted according to the selected configuration (group 1, four ascending parallel pins; group 2, three ascending parallel pins and one descending intersecting pin; group 3, two ascending parallel pins and two descending parallel intersecting pins; and group 4, two ascending parallel pins and two descending converging pins, on different planes [two by two]). The assemblies were subjected to an axial load of up to 1500 N in a universal testing machine, simulating a varus stress. The parameters studied were the maximum load supported and corresponding deformation, load and deformation at the limit of proportionality, rigidity, and resilience. The results showed that all configurations were sufficiently strong, but the maximum load and load at the limit of proportionality were significantly higher (P < .05) in groups 3 and 4 (1314 and 1377 N and 950 and 923 N, respectively) than in groups 1 and 2 (1104 and 1033 N and 738 and 777 N, respectively). Rigidity was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 but not in group 4. Resilience, maximum deformation, and deformation at the limit of proportionality were not significantly different between groups. We conclude that the experimental model used was reliable for the purpose of the study and that any of the configurations studied would be adequate for the percutaneous fixation of 2-part surgical neck fractures of the humerus but group 3 configuration would be the most efficient.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Custom AO small T plate for transcondylar fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly.

The purpose of this study was to present a new internal fixation technique for transcondylar fractures of the humerus in elderly patients. Seventeen patients, aged older than 70 years, with displaced transcondylar fractures were treated by our new surgical method. All fractures were fixed by a customized AO small T plate and a transcondylar screw passed from the lateral epicondyle to the medial wall of the trochlea across the humeral condyle. The plate was hand-shaped, trimmed, and applied at the lateral side of the fracture site, and either a cannulated cancellous screw or an AO one-third tubular plate was applied at the medial side of the fracture site. All patients in this study had osteoporotic bone and a small distal fragment. They were followed up for a mean of 30 months (range, 24 to 60 months). Radiographically, union was achieved completely in all patients, and all except 1 had maintained the postoperative alignment. Bone graft or cement fixation was not required in any case. The assessment of the results by use of the modified Cassebaum's rating scale was excellent in 3 cases, good in 11, and fair in 3. With the custom AO small T plate and transcondylar screw fixation technique, the screw that passes through the humeral condyle provides good stability even in cases with a small osteoporotic fragment of the distal humerus. The screw does not damage the articular surface of the elbow joint, and stable fixation can be obtained even in osteoporotic bone.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Intercondylar distal humerus fractures--surgical treatment and results.

INTRODUCTION: Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment for intercondylar distal humerus fractures. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical results after the surgical treatment of 40 intercondylar distal humerus fractures with an average follow-up of 3.9 years. METHODS: The fractures were classified following the AO/ASIF comprehensive classification. Eight patients presented multiplane fractures. Skeletal traction was used temporarily in two cases. The stabilization method was selected according to the fracture pattern, bone quality and associated lesions. Bone graft was used in seven cases. Fibrin-glue was used in two cases. Unilateral hinged external fixators were used in addition in four cases. Functional assessment was done according to the scoring system of the Orthopedic Trauma Association and additional parameters taken from the system of Jupiter. RESULTS: Final global results were excellent in 13 patients, good in 21, fair in four and poor in two. Complications included three non-unions, two heterotopic ossifications, two internal fixation failures and two lateral condyle resorptions (avascular necrosis). DISCUSSION: Final results are related to the severity of the initial trauma, time elapsed between the accident and definitive surgery, associated lesions, bone quality, precise reconstruction of a smooth and congruent joint surface, surgical technique, implants used, stability obtained and patient cooperation. The type, number and location of the osteosynthesis material must be selected according to the fracture pattern, bone quality and associated lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Non-operative treatment of comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical and radiographical results of non-operative treatment of displaced multifragmental fractures of the proximal humerus with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Fifteen patients (one man, 14 women) with 17 injured shoulders were examined. The Neer classification system was used to classify the fractures, and the functional outcome was assessed using the Constant score. At the 10 year review, the mean Constant score for the patients in the three-part fracture group was 59, and 47 in the four-part fracture group. The range of motion was satisfactory with a mean flexion and abduction over 90 degrees. Only four patients reported pain and it was graded as mild. In spite of low functional scoring and poor fracture reduction in many shoulders, the patient's contentment with their injured shoulder after 10 years with high. Radiographical examination revealed severe osteoarthrosis in one shoulder, and humeral head osteonecrosis in two shoulders. Results from this study suggests that non-operative treatment of displaced three-part fractures of the proximal humerus should be considered.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2000

Fractures of the distal humerus.

The quality of elbow function after fracture of the distal humerus is related to the degree to which normal anatomic relationships are restored. This article addresses the issues related to fractures of the distal humerus, including challenges, controversies, surgical exposure, postoperative management, and complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Fractures of the distal humerus: role of elbow replacement.

Rigid osteosynthesis and early motion is the well-accepted norm to treat distal humerus fractures. This article addresses the role of elbow replacement related to fractures of the distal humerus, including indications, technique, and results. For severe posttraumatic osteoarthrosis, total elbow replacement using the semiconstrained Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis has proven to be a suitable and reliable option for older patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Grammont reversed prosthesis for acute complex fracture of the proximal humerus in an elderly population with 5 to 12 years follow-up].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Aim of this retrospective study was to analyze outcome in 23 cases of Delta III reverse ball-and-socket total shoulder prosthesis for acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus in an elderly population with poor bone quality. In such a population, this procedure could escape the difficulties of a reliable and efficient refixation of the tubercles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1993 to 2000, 23 Delta III prostheses were implanted by a single operator for acute injury: 18 three-part and four-part fractures and 5 fracture-dislocations. The study population included two men and 21 women, mean age 75 years, 10 dominant sides. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia in the semi-sitting position via the anterolateral approach without osteotomy of the acromion, with 10-20 degrees retroversion of the humeral stem (except in one shoulder) and cement fixation in two. For five shoulders, the tubercles could be re-fixed. Postoperative physiotherapy was not possible in all patients. Outcome was assessed with the Constant score and with ap and lateral Lamy radiographs. RESULTS: Seven patients died so the series included sixteen cases for analysis. Complications were: reflex sympathetic dystrophy (n=2), postoperative Acinetobacter infection (n=1) requiring revision to clean and drain allowing preservation of the prosthesis, and early postoperative anterior dislocation (n=1) (10 degrees stem anteversion) with surgical revision to re-orient the stem. At mean follow-up of 86 months, the Constant score was 60 points (contralateral shoulder 83 points). Outcome, influenced in case of re-fixation of the tubercles, was good for pain (14.1), activity (13.3), strength (16.1), anterior elevation (6.5), and abduction (6.5), but very poor for external (1.1) and internal (2.4) rotations. The radiographs showed: aseptic glenoid loosening (n=1) at 12 years with surgical revision in 2005 with Constant score at 6 months follow-up of 48 points, inferior scapular notching (n=11) according the the Nérot classification (six stage 1, four stage 2, one stage 3, at 2, 4.3 and 5 years follow-up), inferior spurs (n=9) appearing at mean 2.5 years follow-up (stable after emergence without clinical impact), proximal humeral resorption (n=4) (medially for three at mean 8 year follow-up and one laterally at 10 years), and a humeral radiolucent line (n=1) at 5 years follow-up. DISCUSSION: For acute complex fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly subjects with poor bone quality, when an efficient and reliable re-fixation of the tubercles is difficult or impossible, reverse ball-and-socket shoulder prosthesis is a possible alternative providing good functional outcome except for rotations but with the risk of inferior scapular notching. Although not problematic in the mid term, these notches may contribute to glenoid loosening with bone loss in the long-term. Nevertheless, this procedure seems to improve the status of patients with such fractures.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The most frequent type of elbow fracture in children is by far the supracondylar fracture. This type of fracture also raises the greatest risk of nerve injury. We wanted to study the clinical and prognostic features of nerve injuries in children presen-ting supracondylar fractures of the humerus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the files of 55 children with nerve lesions identified among 1 180 files on supracondylar fractures in children. Most presented Lagrange and Ribault stage IV fractures. Nerve injuries involved the radial nerve (n=28), medial nerve (n=20), and ulnar nerve (n=7). The nerve injury was diagnosed before treatment in 32 children, and after treatment in 23. When nerve injury was identified before treatment, closed reduction had been used for eleven fractures and open reduction for 21. Nerve injury identified after treatment was found in eleven fractures after closed reduction and in 12 fractures after open reduction. RESULTS: When nerve injury was recognized at the initial examination, spontaneous nerve recovery was achieved in all cases, irrespective of the treatment modality, within a maximum of four months. When nerve injury was recognized after treatment, spontaneous nerve recovery was obtained in twenty cases. Time to recovery was longer. The three other cases required nerve exploration with neurolysis for two and a nerve graft for one. DISCUSSION: Nerve injury discovered after treatment is either caused by or aggravated by the treatment. Prognosis is less favorable than for injuries discovered at the initial examination. This highlights the importance of carefully searching for nerve deficit, even partial deficiency, in all children presenting a supracondylar fracture of the humerus. It also emphasizes the importance of care in obtaining bone reduction if the initial examination did not reveal any nerve deficit.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Does the combination of a simultaneous subcapital fracture of humerus and hip fracture in elderly patients carry a prognostic value?

The most important factor to cause hip fractures in elderly is probably osteoporosis. Other factors are the increase in fall frequency and the protective response to trauma. Osteoporotic fractures occur most commonly, at the hip, vertebra, distal radius and proximal humerus. A combination of these is uncommon. Thirty-two women and six men treated between January 1990 and December 1999 for a combination of subcapital fracture of the humerus and hip fractures were evaluated retrospectively. The following parameters were reviewed: age, sex, pre-fall function, use of drugs, chronic and acute comorbidity, circumstances of the fall, length of hospitalization, treatment procedure, complications and post-hospitalization rehabilitation. Group I consisted of 15 patients aged 70-80 years and group II consisted of the remaining 23 patients, older than 80 years. In all 38 patients the simultaneous fractures were ipsilaterally. Hospital stay ranged from 7 to 17 days for the discharged 37 patients. Twenty-six of 28 patients, who were transferred to a rehabilitation center, returned to their previous activity of daily living (ADL). Among the nine remaining patients only five gained full recovery. A combination of fractures, occurs in the higher-age group, is quite traumatic to the patient and probably involves a greater impact force. In all patients it occurs in the ipsilateral side. In the elderly, even a minimal transmission to the osteoporotic hip can cause a fracture. The double trauma represents a better pre-morbid condition relative to patients in the same age group, thus it may serve as a prognostic indicator for success in rehabilitation.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transitory percutaneous pinning in fractures of the proximal humerus.

We report 31 patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus treated by transitory percutaneous pinning. The Neer fracture classification was used; there were 7 two-part, 20 three-part, and 4 four-part fractures. The Constant score was used for evaluation of the results; the mean score was 80 points. The high mean age of our patients (68 years) diminished the score because of the 25 points attributed to the strength. Avascular necrosis was observed in 5 cases: 2 three-part and 3 four-part fractures. Transitory percutaneous pinning is a good technique for the management of displaced 3-part fractures of the proximal humerus even in the older population, keeping in mind that the shoulder will tolerate a moderate residual deformity without changing the functional outcome significantly. Transitory percutaneous pinning, on the other hand, is not a satisfactory method for the management of 4-part fractures.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Allograft reconstruction of the distal humerus after resection of a breast solitary metastasis: eleven years follow-up.

Resection is a rare indication for the treatment of solitary skeletal metastasis (SSM), and provides an opportunity to cure the oncologic patient. Reconstruction after resection can imply a difficult problem depending on the size and the location of the metastasis. In the reported case, an en-bloc resection of a SSM of a breast cancer located in the distal humerus was performed in 1990. Reconstruction of the osteoarticular defect has been achieved with a massive allograft. At eleven years follow-up the patient remains free of illness and shows a good functional result. With the result obtained in the reported case, we suggest that osteoarticular allograft can be of considerable value for reconstruction after excision of SSM in the distal humerus, and that cure can be achieved with the radical resection of a SSM of breast cancer.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Composite grafts in the treatment of osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus.

Treatment of osteosarcoma (OSA) of the proximal humerus poses many difficulties and challenges to the treating team. Between 1993 and 2000, we treated 11 patients (three women, eight men; age range, 17-74 years) suffering from OSA of the proximal humerus by 'composite': massive allografts and long humeral prosthesis. At presentation, 10 patients were at stage 2-B and one at stage 3-B of OSA. One patient presented with a pathologic fracture. All patients except patient No. 6, received preoperative chemotherapy followed by limb salvage surgery and postoperative chemotherapy.Surgical margins were graded as wide in all patients. Postoperative complications included non-union at the allograft/host junction (which united after auto grafting) and superficial wound infections that resolved after antibiotic therapy. All surgical procedures were performed by a team headed by an orthopedic oncologist and shoulder surgeon. At latest follow-up (December 2001) all patients, with the exception of one (who was at stage 3-B at presentation) were alive, and had good function of the upper limb. It is our opinion that the team approach comprising an orthopedic oncologist and shoulder surgeon greatly contributed to the good surgical outcome, and hence the good survival and functional results of the patients. Bone allograft offers a modular malleable durable solution to the resected bone segment.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Open or closed pinning for distal humerus fractures in children?

INTRODUCTION: In children, the choice between percutaneous pinning (PP) and open pinning fixation (OPF) for the surgical treatment of fractures of the distal humerus remains controversial, especially the PP method for internal humeral condylar (IHC) fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty fractures of the distal humerus in children were treated surgically in our hospital over a ten year period. 47% (n = 38) were supracondylar (SC), 20% (n = 16) comminuted (COM), 18% (n = 14) internal humeral condylar (IHC), and 15% (n = 12) lateral humeral condylar (LHC). We used PP, OPF and three times osteosynthesis with screws. RESULTS: In comparison to OPF, PP reduced the length of hospitalization in SC fractures (2.8 versus 6.1 days) and IHC fractures (2.4 versus five days). It reduced the risk of extension deficiency (11.1% versus 15%) and of cubitus valgus (0% versus 20%) in SC fractures, and of cubitus varus in IHC fractures (0% versus 11.1%). However it induced a higher rate of cubitus valgus (11.1% versus 20%) in IHC fractures, one persistent neurological motor deficiency (radial nerve) and four cases of transitional neurological involvement (ulnar nerve). CONCLUSIONS: PP is a good surgical method for SC and for also for IHC fractures, if performed by experienced surgeons so as to avoid neurological damage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Locking plate osteosynthesis for fractures of the proximal humerus].

BACKGROUND: Beside non-operative treatment the therapeutic options for proximal fractures of the humerus range from closed reduction and transcutaneous K-wiring to total joint replacement. While the first is regarded as minimally invasive the latter is a rather complex intervention. Plating has been disregarded as combining the disadvantages of an extended approach with too often insufficient primary postoperative stability. The new concept of completely angle stabile plate fixation aims on improving this balance by achieving greater stability even in osteoporotic fractures. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective analysis compares 51 patients treated with a partially (39) or complete (12) angle stabile humeral plate (Königseeplatte in two modifications) with 32 patients treated according to surgeons preference with conventional plates or K-wires. Both groups were treated at the same department during the same period and did not differ in their age nor sex distribution. RESULTS: Until discharge there were 2 secondary dislocations discovered in group 1 and 7 in group 2. The follow-up rate was 47.1 % (24/51) in group 1 and 46.8 % (15/32) in group 2. The time interval from surgery amounted to 1.2 (0.66-1.75) and 1.0 (0.72-1.32) years respectively. Among the patients available for follow-up in group 1 8 had sustained a two-, 8 a three- and 3 a four-part fracture according to Neer's classification. In group two there were accordingly 2 two-, 8 three- and 1 four part fractures. Clinical assessment using Neer's score revealed an average of 71,8 (63.9-79.8) points in group 1 and 67.6 (47.3-78.7) in group 2. When the results of Neer's scores were expressed in percentage of the unaffected arm a mean of 73.6 (65.6-81.8) in group 1 and 69.3 (51.8-86.9) was obtained. The only statistically significant difference was observed within the sub-group of three-part fractures: treated by angle stabile plates (group 1) these patients (n = 8) achieved a mean Neer-Score of 81 (77-86) compared to 68 (52-84) (n = 8). In group 1 70.8 % of patients followed-up presented an "excellent" or "good" result according to Neer's criteria, in group 2 60 % did so. CONCLUSION: We conclude from our first experience with angle stabile plates for fractures of the proximal humerus that particularly in three part fractures this method might improve functional outcome and is worth further consideration and testing.

Aged↗