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Proximal humeral fracture osteosynthesis in Belgium: a retrospective population-based epidemiologic study

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) comprise approximately five percent of all fractures and this percentage will continue to increase due to the aging population with accompanying osteoporosis. Most PHF can be treated conservatively; however, in displaced fractures, surgical treatment is recommended. Retrospective analyses of large groups or even populations are important as they can contribute to the needs of the community. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology and management of PHF fixation in Belgium based on the most recently available data from the last 5 years.

Methods

The governmental organization National Institute of Health and Disability Insurance provided a population-based database with all PHF treated surgically or nonoperatively. This database was retrospectively assessed. The data included age, sex, region of residence, year and treatment strategy for every patient. Healthcare expenses were also provided.

Results

A total of 62,290 PHF were identified in Belgium between 2014 and 2018. The incidence was 111 per 100,000 persons/year. The highest incidence was observed in females and people older than 80 years. The average proportion of osteosynthesis was calculated at 21%. The Belgian government spent on average more than two million euros each year on PHF treatment.

Conclusion

The overall incidence of PHF increased by 12% over the last 5 years. The majority were treated nonoperatively in Belgium.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Jan Vandenbergen and the organization of NIHDI-RIZIV-INAMI for facilitating data sharing for this research project. Also, Dr. Nicolas Flamey and Dr. Elizabeth Flesher for reading and correcting the manuscript grammatically.

Funding

This work received no specific grant from any funding agency.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland

    Jan Dauwe & Carolin Danker

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Jan Dauwe

  3. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Michiel Herteleer & Stefaan Nijs

  4. LIHP, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Leuven, Belgium

    Kris Vanhaecht

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  1. Jan Dauwe
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  2. Carolin Danker
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  3. Michiel Herteleer
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  5. Stefaan Nijs
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Correspondence to Jan Dauwe.

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Conflict of interest

Jan Dauwe, Carolin Danker, Michiel Herteleer, Kris Vanhaecht, and Stefaan Nijs declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Dauwe, J., Danker, C., Herteleer, M. et al. Proximal humeral fracture osteosynthesis in Belgium: a retrospective population-based epidemiologic study. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 48, 4509–4514 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01466-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01466-2

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