Neer Award 2006: Biomechanical assessment of inferior tuberosity placement during hemiarthroplasty for four-part proximal humeral fractures

Tuberosity malpositioning commonly occurs and is associated with a decline in clinical function after prosthetic shoulder reconstruction for proximal humeral fractures. This study assesses the biomechanical effects of inferior tuberosity position on glenohumeral joint forces and humeral head position at multiple positions. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested. Hemiarthroplasty was performed with preservation of anatomic tuberosity height and with 10 mm and 20 mm of inferior tuberosity displacement. The rotator cuff, deltoid, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi muscles were statically loaded. Contact forces and humeral head position were recorded within a functional range of motion. Glenohumeral joint forces shifted significantly superiorly (P < .05) at 30 degrees of abduction after both 10 mm and 20 mm of tuberosity displacement. At 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction, glenohumeral joint forces remained significantly altered after tuberosity displacement of 10 mm and 20 mm compared with the intact height (P < .005). This study demonstrates that, during hemiarthroplasty performed for proximal humeral fractures, malpositioning the tuberosities inferiorly results in significant superior glenohumeral joint force displacement. These findings suggest that the mechanical advantage of the shoulder abductor muscles is compromised with inferior tuberosity malpositioning and may help to explain inferior functional results seen in these patients.     

Primary hemiarthroplasty for treatment of proximal humeral fractures

BACKGROUND: Primary hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder is used to treat complex proximal humeral fractures, although the reported functional results following this method of treatment have varied widely. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the prosthetic survival and functional outcomes in a large series of patients treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for a proximal humeral fracture. By determining the factors that affected the outcome, we also aimed to produce models that could be used clinically to estimate the functional outcome at one year following surgery. METHODS: A thirteen-year observational cohort study of 163 consecutive patients treated with hemiarthroplasty for a proximal humeral fracture was performed. Twenty-five patients died or were lost to follow-up in the first year after treatment, leaving 138 patients who had assessment of shoulder function with use of the modified Constant score at one year postinjury. RESULTS: The overall rate of prosthetic survival was 96.9% at one year, 95.3% at five years, and 93.9% at ten years. The overall median modified Constant score was 64 points at one year, with a typically good score for pain relief (median, 15 points) and poorer scores, with a greater scatter of values, for function (median, 12 points), range of motion (median, 24 points), and muscle power (median, 14 points). Of the factors that were assessed immediately after the injury, only patient age, the presence of a neurological deficit, tobacco usage, and alcohol consumption were significantly predictive of the one-year Constant score (p < 0.05). Of the factors that were assessed at six weeks postinjury, those that predicted the one-year Constant score included the age of the patient, the presence of a persistent neurological deficit, the need for an early reoperation, the degree of displacement of the prosthetic head from the central axis of the glenoid seen radiographically, and the degree of displacement of the tuberosities seen radiographically. CONCLUSIONS: Primary shoulder hemiarthroplasty performed for the treatment of a proximal humeral fracture in medically fit and cooperative adults is associated with satisfactory prosthetic survival at an average of 6.3 years. Although the shoulder is usually free of pain following this procedure, the overall functional result, in terms of range of motion, function, and power, at one year varies. A good functional outcome can be anticipated for a younger individual who has no preoperative neurological deficit, no postoperative complications, and a satisfactory radiographic appearance of the shoulder at six weeks. The results are poorer in the larger group of elderly patients who undergo this procedure, especially if they have a neurological deficit, a postoperative complication requiring a reoperation, or an eccentrically located prosthesis with retracted tuberosities.     

内固定与肱骨头置换治疗高龄肱骨近端骨折比较

[目的]比较切开复位解剖锁定钢板内固定术(locking proximal humeral plate,LPHP)与肱骨头置换(humeral hemiar-throplasty,HHA)治疗高龄患者复杂肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效.[方法]回顾性分析2015年1月-2018年1月,手术治疗78例高龄(≥80岁)复杂肱骨近端...     

Functional outcome after proximal humeral fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty

Objective

To evaluate functional outcome after hemiarthroplasty for displaced proximal humeral fractures and to review whether prosthesis type, intraoperative technique or previous ipsilateral shoulder surgery could affect the outcome.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records and radiographs of patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures between 1992 and 2000. We identified 45 patients, 39 with acute fractures and 6 with fracture-related complications. One surgeon performed 17 surgeries (38%), and the rest were carried out by 11 other orthopedic surgeons. Using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Evaluation Form and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, we evaluated patients who had been followed for at least 2 years for residual shoulder pain, range of motion, strength, stability and function. The senior authors reviewed the radiographs.

Results

The mean age of the patients at presentation was 70 (range 46–95) years. The mean active forward elevation was 87°, abduction 63° and external rotation 22°; the mean internal rotation was to the L2 vertebra. Of the patients, 15% reported severe pain, and 25% were unable to sleep on the affected side. Patients with previous surgeries and those with intraoperative cuff tears were found to have more postoperative pain.

Conclusion

We conclude that soft tissue status and operative technique play an important role in late postoperative pain and range of motion. Hemiarthroplasty after failed open reduction and internal fixation is associated with inferior results. We were unable to show a difference in long-term outcome related to the prosthesis type.     

Four-part displaced proximal humeral fractures: treatment with hemiarthroplasty

Between 1996 and 2000 a total of 25 hemiarthroplasties of the shoulder in just as many patients were carried out. A total of 15 were followed-up (minimum 1 year, maximum 5 years, mean 2.5 years; mean age 75.5 years). The Constant score showed a mean of 73.26 points (with a maximum score of 90 and a minimum of 40). One patient obtained a reduced Constant score (40 points) because of severe lesions of the rotator cuff and continuous pain, even during the night. Patients reported that they were satisfied in 75% of cases. We believe that the integrity of the cuff is an essential condition for final success, alongside important indications such as type of fracture, bone quality, age and motivations of the patient, with respect for rules governing method of implantation and protocols for rehabilitation used.     

Arthroscopic treatment for malunions of the proximal humeral greater tuberosity

The purpose of this article was to report an arthroscopic treatment method for greater tuberosity malunion. Eight patients with malunion of the greater tuberosity were treated by arthroscopic acromioplasty, detachment of rotator cuff, tuberoplasty of the greater tuberosity and repair of the rotator cuff. On the basis of the UCLA rating scale, the overall score increased from 11.1 (range 9–14) to 30.2 (range 25–35) postoperatively, with one excellent result, six good results, and one poor result. All patients had less pain than preoperatively. Full activity level was achieved in two patients, five patients had only slight functional restriction, and one patient had mild limitation in activities of daily living. Seven patients returned to their previous occupations without restrictions. One patient did not return to work because of residual upper extremity weakness. We conclude that arthroscopic tuberoplasty is a good method for the treatment of greater tuberosity malunion.     

Isolated tuberosity fractures of the proximal humeral: current concepts

Despite the relatively common occurrence of fractures of the proximal humeral amongst the elderly, the subgroup of isolated greater and lesser tuberosity fractures have remained less well understood. While the majority of two-part fractures result from a standing-height fall onto an outstretched hand, isolated tuberosity fractures are also commonly associated with glenohumeral dislocations or direct impact to the shoulder region. Inasmuch as isolated greater tuberosity fractures are considered uncommon, isolated lesser tuberosity fractures are generally considered exceedingly rare. Non-operative treatment including a specific rehabilitation protocol has been advocated for the majority of non-displaced and minimally displaced fractures, with generally good outcomes expected. The treatment for displaced fractures, however, has included both arthroscopically assisted fixation and open or percutaneous reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The choice of fixation and approach depends not only on fracture type and characteristics, but also on a multitude of patient-related factors. With an expected increase in the level of physical activity across all age groups and overall longer lifespans, the incidence of isolated tuberosity fractures of the proximal humeral is expected to rise. Orthopaedic surgeons treating shoulder trauma should be aware of treatment options, as well as expected outcomes.     

单纯人工肱骨头置换术治疗肱骨近端粉碎性骨折

目的探讨单纯人工肱骨头置换术治疗肱骨近端严重3～4部分骨折的方法及其效果。方法对本组12例肱骨近端粉碎性骨折患者进行了单纯人工肱骨头置换术,其中男5例,女7例,年龄42～67岁,平均（54．3±3．4）岁。按AO骨折分类标准,9例B2型骨折,2例B3型骨折,1例c3型骨折。结果术后随访9～36个月,平均17．2个月。采用Neer标准评定患者肩关节功能,其中4例大于90分,其余均在80分以上。结论对于肱骨近端粉碎性骨折而言,单纯人工肱骨头置换术是一种疗效较好的治疗方法,人工肱骨头假体安装和肱骨大、小结节解剖重建是提高人工肱骨头置换术疗效的关键,并且术中注意修复损伤的肩袖。术后需要求患者积极进行康复训练促进功能恢复。     

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures

Objective: To investigate the indication, perioperative announcements, selection of prosthesis and clinical results of shoulder hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures.Methods: A total of 55 patients who suffered from com-plex proximal humeral fractures were treated by shoulder hemiarthroplasty. The mean age was 55.6 years and mean follow-up period was 25.1 months. The scoring system modi-fication for hemiarthroplasty (SSMH) had been adopted for evaluation at the latest follow-up.Results: The pain was obviously relieved in all patients. Fifty patients were painless and 5 patients had slight pain. The mean range of motion was 100°(90°-110°) in abduction, 95°(80°-100°) in forward flexion, 35°(30°-40°) in extemal rotation and internal rotation was confined at L2 level (L1-L3). The mean SSMH score was 27.9 (24-29). Fifty patients (90.1%) were satisfied with the clinical outcome.Conclusions: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is an effective method to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. The proper selection of patients and prosthesis, good operation skill and enough functional exercise are the key points of successful treatment.     

Recession wedge osteotomy of the greater tuberosity for proximal humeral varus

Proximal humeral varus has multiple etiologies and may lead to impingement and reduced shoulder range of motion, particularly abduction and forward elevation. Valgus osteotomies have been described at the level of the surgical neck yielding acceptable results. This article describes a case of a male electrician who was treated for symptoms associated with proximal humeral varus of the right shoulder. He underwent an osteotomy of the greater tuberosity designed to reduce impingement and improve range of motion. The patient had previously undergone two separate surgical procedures for a simple bone cyst, but continued to have reduced shoulder function secondary to a prominent greater tuberosity. Preoperative and follow-up radiographs, physical examinations, and shoulder function were retrospectively reviewed for 32 months. Following treatment, active forward elevation improved from 130° preoperatively to 170°, abduction from 90° to 170°, external rotation from 45° to 70°, and internal rotation from T10 to T7. The patient reported relief of pain, impingement-free range of motion, and full symmetric function equal to that of his contralateral shoulder. Radiographs demonstrated osteotomy union, improved greater tuberosity/acromial clearance, and no impingement with abduction. Postoperative stiffness was the only complication noted for which a shoulder manipulation was performed under anesthesia. Thus, recession wedge osteotomy of the prominent greater tuberosity may serve as a viable surgical approach to reducing impingement and improving clinical function in proximal humeral varus.     

Reconstruction of humeral length and centering of the prosthetic head in hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures

Anatomic reconstruction of humeral length in hemiarthroplasty for complex proximal humeral fractures is difficult because reliable surgical landmarks are missing or are destroyed by the fracture. The pectoralis major tendon is a reliable landmark to determine prosthetic height intraoperatively. This study analyzed the clinical outcome, reconstruction of humeral length, centering of the prosthetic head in the glenoid, and tuberosity positioning and healing, using the pectoralis major tendon as a reference intraoperatively. The study included 30 patients. In 21 patients (group 1), humeral length reconstruction was performed using the pectoralis major tendon as a reference; in 9 (group 2), this reference was not used. Patients underwent a clinical and radiologic evaluation at a mean of 22.7 months. Group 1 showed significantly better results in clinical and radiologic values, especially in anatomic reconstruction of humeral length, than group 2. Clinical outcome depended significantly on greater tuberosity healing and centering of the prosthetic head in the glenoid.     

肱骨近端骨折肩关节置换术假体高度确定的解剖学研究

目的 探讨肱骨近端骨折肩关节置换术中确定假体植入高度的方法.方法 选择成人尸体标本11具,男7具,女4具,共22个肩关节.测量胸大肌肱骨止点上缘至肱骨头关节面顶点的距离(PMT)、大结节高度(HT)及肱骨长度(HL),计算PMT/HL. 结果 所有标本PMT平均为(5.10±0.54)cm,HT平均为(0.78±0.19)cm,HL平均为(28.9±1.9)cm,PMT/HL的平均值为17.6%.所有标本HL的测量结果均乘以17.6%,分别与其PMT的测量结果比较偏差不超过0.5 cm.PMT、HT、HL左侧和右侧的测量结果差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).PMT和HL的测量结果呈正相关,HT和HL的测量结果无明显相关性. 结论 胸大肌腱止点上缘可作为肱骨近端骨折肩关节置换术中确定假体植入高度的可靠参照.术中可以根据国人PMT的平均值5.10 cm或个体化的数值,即将测量的术前健侧HL乘以固定的系数17.6%来推测患侧PMT,从而决定假体顶点至胸大肌腱肱骨止点上缘的距离.     

半肩置换治疗严重肱骨近端骨折的临床结果分析

目的评价半肩置换治疗严重肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效,并对影响治疗结果的因素进行分析。方法2001年7月至2005年5月共收治42例患者,平均年龄63岁,术后随访时间12～48个月,平均29个月。对所有患者进行主观评价,同时对活动度、肌力、稳定性、活动顺滑度进行评估。随访时拍摄肩关节X线片,27例患者拍摄术后双侧肱骨全长位片;15例患者行术后肩关节CT检查。结果根据Constant-Murley评分19例患者非常满意（45％）,17例满意（40％）,6例不满意（15％）,总满意率达到85％。术后主动前屈（100±32）°,外旋（16±11）°,内旋后伸达L2水平。结论采用人工肱骨头置换术治疗严重的肱骨近端骨折可取得良好手术效果,但需要严格掌握手术适应证。术中肱骨长度恢复不佳、假体后倾角度过大、大小结节固定不确切、愈合不良、大结节吸收及异位骨化等是造成效果不满意的原因。     

人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端三、四部分骨折

目的探讨人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨近端骨折,术中应注意的关键问题. 方法采用Thompson入路行人工肱骨头置换术23例. 术后随访6～36个月,平均随访21.1个月.用ASES评分对患肩进行术后功能评估.结果医师客观评定:全部患者肩关节活动明显改善,肌力恢复良好,肩关节稳定,5例轻压痛,1例发生撞击.患者主观评定:疼痛平均102分,肩关节稳定平均106分,完成10个日常生活动作22例,完成7个日常生活动作1例.复查X线片显示人工肱骨头位置良好,无假体松动,肱骨大、小结节骨折愈合. 结论术中肩周软组织保护及修复,人工肱骨头假体安装和肱骨大、小结节解剖重建是提高人工肱骨头置换术疗效的关键技术.     

Early management of proximal humeral fractures with hemiarthroplasty: a systematic review

We performed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to examine the role of hemiarthroplasty in the early management of fractures of the proximal humerus. In all, 16 studies dealing with 810 hemiarthroplasties in 808 patients with a mean age of 67.7 years (22 to 91) and a mean follow-up of 3.7 years (0.66 to 14) met the inclusion criteria. Most of the fractures were four-part fractures or fracture-dislocations. Several types of prosthesis were used. Early passive movement on the day after surgery and active movement after union of the tuberosities at about six weeks was described in most cases. The mean active anterior elevation was to 105.7 degrees (10 degrees to 180 degrees) and the mean abduction to 92.4 degrees (15 degrees to 170 degrees). The incidence of superficial and deep infection was 1.55% and 0.64%, respectively. Complications related to the fixation and healing of the tuberosities were observed in 86 of 771 cases (11.15%). The estimated incidence of heterotopic ossification was 8.8% and that of proximal migration of the humeral head 6.8%. The mean Constant score was 56.63 (11 to 98). At the final follow-up, no pain or only mild pain was experienced by most patients, but marked limitation of function persisted.