Current concepts in distal humeral hemiarthroplasty

Multi-fragmentary intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus remain a challenge for both patients and surgeons. Open Reduction internal fixation remains the gold standard, however in older patients with comminuted fractures this might not be feasible. There is a growing interest in hemi-arthroplasty as a solution for these cases. However the current experience and follow-up in limited. This review article intends to describe the current concepts in elbow hemiarthroplasty in dept. we will discuss the historical use of these implants, as well as the intricacies of more modern devices. Next we will elaborate an surgical planning, approach, and technical pearls. We will lay out a rehab protocol used by the senior author, and with some considerations for the future.     

Total elbow arthroplasty as primary treatment for distal humeral fractures in elderly patients

Distal humeral fractures are difficult to treat. In the elderly population, the problems are compounded by osteoporosis and gross comminution. Open reduction and internal fixation for such fractures is sometimes difficult and may be associated with poor results. Total elbow arthroplasty has been suggested as a last-ditch effort to salvage functional use for such difficult fractures in the elderly. We followed seven patients (seven elbows) with a mean age of 81.7 years at the time of injury. Open reduction and internal fixation was considered a difficult option for these fractures. They were treated with a total elbow arthroplasty using the semi-constrained Coonrad-Morrey elbow replacement prosthesis. The duration of follow up at present is between 2 and 4 years. At the latest follow up the mean arc of flexion is 20-130 degrees. Six patients have no pain while one complains of mild pain. All elbows are stable. The Mayo elbow performance score for five elbows is excellent and two scored good. All but one patient are satisfied with the result. One patient developed superficial wound infection which resolved after antibiotic therapy. One patient has developed post-operative triceps weakness. There have been no cases of deep infection, ulnar nerve neuritis or component failure. The rarity of this procedure suggests its very narrow spectrum of indication. We feel that the short-term results do suggest an important role for semi-constrained total elbow arthroplasty in managing carefully selected comminuted distal humeral fractures in the elderly, especially those that cannot be treated by conventional open reduction and internal fixation.     

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty in the management of humeral head fractures

The results of hemiarthroplasty for shoulder fracture were evaluated in 26 patients, 20 women and 6 men with a mean age of 64.7 +/- 8.2 years. The follow-up period was 2 to 7 years. Cofield prostheses were used for the first 10 patients and subsequently 9 Global and 7 Aequalis prostheses were implanted, all cemented. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant-Murley scale. The mean score, at the last follow-up, was 70.4 +/- 16.4 (39-96). Mean forward elevation of the arm was 150 degrees (300-175 degrees), mean abduction was 145 degrees (30 degrees -170 degrees), and mean external rotation was 30 degrees (10 degrees-45 degrees). In most of the cases internal rotation corresponded with a position of the dorsum of the hand at the L3 vertebrae. The patients in our series achieved their optimal clinical result within the first 6 months after operation. Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is a worthwhile procedure, giving predictable results provided the patients have been carefully selected, the individual anatomy of the shoulder is restored and an aggressive rehabilitation program is implemented during the first six months after surgery.     

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.     

肱骨近端骨折反置式人工全肩关节置换术与人工肱骨头置换术的比较

SummaryEarly evidence from two small retrospective cohort studies suggests that reverse shoulder arthroplasty appears similar to hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in an elderly population.One study found no significant differences for either functional outcomes or range of motion at follow-up.The other study found that Constant scores and range of motion may be better for reverse shoulder arthroplasty.However,only retrospective cohort studies were available,so no definitive conclusions can be drawn from these two small 2项小样本回顾性队列研究的结论认为,反置式人工全肩关节置换术(RSA)与人工肱骨头置换术(HA)在治疗老年性肱骨近端骨折方面疗效相当.其中1项研究发现,随访期间两种方法在功能恢复和活动范围改善方面无明显统计学差异.另1项研究则认为经过RSA治疗的患者,Constant肩部评分结果和肩部活动范围的改善要更好.但是,目前的研究结果来自于回顾性队列研究,因此并不能从中得出比较确切的结论.     

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures in adults

This article describes a technique of open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in adults. The historical treatment of these fractures is surveyed, including current classification systems. Anatomy is reviewed, specifically as it pertains to surgical intervention. The results in 23 consecutive patients stabilized through an intra-articular olecranon osteotomy exposure are reported.     

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.     

肱骨远端骨折的治疗建议

肱骨远端骨折约占成人骨折的2%,肱骨骨折的1/3,是临床上相对难于处理的骨折之一.老年患者多由低能量的摔伤所致,年轻患者多为高能量的交通伤和坠落伤所致.肱骨远端骨折的术前临床评估首先依靠详细的查体,注意有无尺神经、桡神经、正中神经及肱动脉等损伤.     

Surgical landmarks to determine humeral head retrotorsion for hemiarthroplasty in fractures

Malrotation has been suggested as a cause of failure of hemiarthroplasty of the proximal humerus. Placing a shoulder prosthesis in relationship to the bicipital groove might reproduce individual anatomy more reliably than using a standardized retrotorsion. The purpose of this study was to determine criteria for accurate adjustment of retrotorsion even when the proximal bicipital groove is destroyed, as is the case in fractures. The distance of the humeral head equatorial plane to the center of the bicipital groove was measured by high-resolution computed tomography at 4 levels (proximal and distal with 2 intermediate levels). The distal distance was considered to correspond to available references in fracture cases. The mean proximal distance was 8.0 mm (10th percentile, 6.2 mm; 90th percentile, 9.8 mm), and the mean distal distance was 8.5 mm (10th percentile, 7.1 mm; 90th percentile, 9.9 mm). As to the clinical relevance, there was no statistically significant difference between distances. For practical purposes in fracture indications, it is adequate to adjust the retrotorsion of the prosthetic component to the distal bicipital groove.     

Relevance of the restoration of humeral length and retroversion in hemiarthroplasty for humeral head fractures

Sixteen patients, with a fracture of the upper humerus treated with hemiarthroplasty, were followed-up for 45.7 +/- 15.1 (20-72) months after surgery. The results were assessed using the Constant-Murley scale. The mean score was 75.8 +/- 15.7 (54-96) points out of a possible maximum of 100. At the time of their last follow-up they underwent CT of the fractured and contralateral humerus. Humeral length and retroversion were measured and evaluated. A very good final outcome (Constant score more than 71) was achieved in patients with a difference in retroversion less than 10 degrees and a difference in length less than 14 mm, between fractured and sound humerus. The mean difference in retroversion was 8.7 degrees and the mean difference in length was 0.65 cm, between fractured and sound humerus. We attribute the very good clinical outcome in our series to the quality of the anatomical reconstruction that was performed.     

Outcome of cemented Neer II hemiarthroplasty in displaced humeral head fractures

The functional and radiological outcome of cemented Neer II hemiarthroplasty performed within six weeks after a fracture-dislocation or a three/four-part humeral head fracture was evaluated in 48 patients with an average age of 73 years (range: 45 to 89), with an average follow-up period of 44 months (range: 6 to 106). Thirty-two (67%) patients were satisfied or very satisfied. Twenty-nine (61%) patients had no or mild pain, 17 (35%) had moderate pain and two (4%) had severe pain. Constant Score averaged 49 (range: 8 to 71) compared to 78 (range: 40 to 100) for the nonoperated shoulder (p < 0.001). The 26 (57%) patients with abnormal radiographs (malpositioning or loosening of the prosthesis, non-union of tuberosities, heterotopic ossification, and/or glenoid erosion) had a significantly lower Constant Score (45 [range: 8 to 69] versus 55 [range: 31 to 71], p = 0.013). The functional outcome is disappointing and related to the radiographic status. The patients however seem to be satisfied despite a rather stiff shoulder and in our opinion a non-acceptable pain relief.     

肱骨头置换治疗老年人肱骨头粉碎性骨折

目的探讨人工肱骨头置换治疗老年人肱骨头粉碎性骨折的疗效。方法对13例肱骨头粉碎性骨折老年患者（〉75岁）均采用骨水泥型柄的非限制性人工肱骨头置换术。结果13例均获随访,时间3～25（12±4．5）个月。3例基本达到骨折前的状况,10例生活基本自理。结论人工肱骨头置换治疗肱骨头粉碎性骨折老年患者,可早期进行功能锻炼,减少并发症,改善生活质量,疗效满意。     

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.     

Management of distal humeral fractures in the elderly

Although relatively uncommon, fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly patient population are significant injuries of which optimal management is a subject of debate in orthopaedic literature. The combination of complex anatomy, poor bone quality and extensive comminution often seen with these fractures makes successful treatment difficult. Currently, most surgeons support surgical fixation of distal humeral fractures with the belief that restoration of the patient's native elbow joint provides the best opportunity for a good functional outcome. Others have proposed the use of total elbow arthroplasty as a primary treatment method for geriatric distal humeral fractures based on the difficulties associated with ORIF and the relatively low demands of this patient population. To date, there have been no prospective randomised trials comparing these two treatment alternatives, and a comparison of available outcome data shows good functional outcome for both forms of fracture management. With the aging of the population and an associated increase in the incidence of distal humeral fractures, the debate over the optimal treatment regime will undoubtedly continue.     

肱骨远端后外侧钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下1／3骨折

[目的] 分析肱骨远端后外侧钢板治疗肱骨下1/3骨折的疗效.[方法] 采用切开复位肱骨远端后外侧钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下1/3骨折25例.[结果] 25例内固定手术患者,平均随诊10.2个月,优15例,良8例,可2例.[结论] 肱骨远端后外侧钢板内固定治疗肱骨干下1/3骨折操作简单,固定牢固,是治疗肱骨干下1/3骨折的有效方法.