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Shoulder and elbow arthroplasty after ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and distal humerus in the elderly

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to present our experience and the outcomes in 3 elderly patients who underwent combined shoulder and elbow arthroplasty after ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and distal humerus in our center. Also, we evaluate difficulties in their treatment and report their final follow-up.

Material and methods

Three cases of elderly patients who underwent shoulder and elbow arthroplasty after ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and distal humerus were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were analyzed. Also, Constant Shoulder Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Short-Form Health Survey, and four-point Likert scale were evaluated.

Results

All patients were females (100%). Mean age was 75 years (range 73–78). Mean follow-up was 36.6 months (SD 11.5). Mean time between injury and surgery was 12 days (SD 7.6). The 3 patients had a displaced and comminuted fracture of the humeral head (4-part, by Neer classification) and a comminuted intraarticular fracture of the distal humerus (13-C3, by AO classification). One patient presented a wound infection that required debridement. Despite the complications, at final follow-up, all patients showed a sufficient capacity to perform comfortably in their daily activities. Radiographs showed good fixation of all components, without evidence of prosthetic loosening or migration. All evaluated scores had good or excellent results.

Conclusions

Our study provides further evidence that the shoulder and elbow arthroplasty could be a reliable management for ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and distal humerus in the elderly. In our study, this technique showed in the final follow-up patient’s good outcomes.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Correspondence to Jorge H. Nuñez.

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JH. Nuñez, M. Garcia-Portabella, L. Batalla and J. Massons declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Nuñez, J.H., Garcia-Portabella, M., Batalla, L. et al. Shoulder and elbow arthroplasty after ipsilateral fractures of the proximal and distal humerus in the elderly. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 30, 659–664 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-019-02608-y

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