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Does mechanism of injury impact the outcome of operative fixation of geriatric proximal humerus fractures

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of energy mechanism on outcomes following repair of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) in the middle aged and geriatric population.

Methods

Two hundred sixty-nine patients who presented to our academic medical center between 2006 and 2020, and underwent operative treatment of a proximal humerus fracture were prospectively enrolled in an IRB-approved database. Patients above 55 were divided into high energy (motor vehicle accident, pedestrian struck, or fall > 2 stairs) or low energy mechanisms (fall from standing or < 2 stairs). Of 97 patients with complete documentation and follow-up, 72 were included in the low velocity (LV) group and 25 were included in the high velocity (HV) group. Demographic information, primary injury details, healing and time to union, range of motion (ROM), complications, and need for reoperation were assessed at initial presentation and subsequent follow-up appointments.

Results

Mean age, BMI, and gender were significantly different between the LV and HV cohorts (p = 0.01, 0.04, 0.01). OTA/AO fracture patterns were similar between the groups. (p = 0.14). Bony healing and complications occurred with similar frequency between groups (p = 1.00, 0.062). The most common complications in the LV and HV groups included avascular necrosis (9.7%, 16.0%), and screw penetration (4.2%, 12.0%), while the HV group also had rotator cuff issues including weakness and tendonitis (12.0%). There was no significant difference in need for reoperation between cohorts (p = 0.45). Time to healing, shoulder ROM, and DASH scores did not differ between each group.

Conclusions

Energy and mechanism demonstrates similar outcomes in operatively treated proximal humerus fractures. These factors should not play a role in decisions for surgery in these patients and can help guide patient expectations.

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Funding

No funding was provided to conduct this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, 301 East 17th Street, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Abhishek Ganta, Sara Solasz, Jack Drake, Connor Littlefield, Sanjit Konda & Kenneth Egol

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 8900 Van Wyck Expressway, Richmond Hill, NY, 11418, USA

    Abhishek Ganta, Sanjit Konda & Kenneth Egol

Authors
  1. Abhishek Ganta
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  2. Sara Solasz
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  3. Jack Drake
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  4. Connor Littlefield
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  5. Sanjit Konda
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  6. Kenneth Egol
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Correspondence to Abhishek Ganta.

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Conflict of interest

Dr. Abhishek Ganta is a consultant for Integra. Dr. Sanjit Konda is a consultant for the Stryker Corporation. Dr. Egol is a consultant for Exactech.

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Ganta, A., Solasz, S., Drake, J. et al. Does mechanism of injury impact the outcome of operative fixation of geriatric proximal humerus fractures. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 143, 4095–4098 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-022-04616-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-022-04616-w

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