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Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Pediatric Population

  • Pediatric Orthopedics (N Pandya, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to review recent literature focusing on proximal humerus anatomy, epidemiology of these fractures, diagnosis and treatment options, and clinical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Non- or minimally displaced proximal humerus fractures treated nonoperatively do not lead to short- or long-term complication and do not cross over to operative treatment. There is a higher rate of operative management with older age, increased injury severity score, treatment at an adult hospital, and private insurance. Operative management is preferred with closed or open reduction and percutaneous pinning, but elastic nailing and plate fixation are other options with good postoperative outcomes.

Summary

Pediatric proximal humerus fractures occur after fall onto the affected shoulder or arm. Diagnosis is usually made with radiographs. Understanding the proximal humerus anatomy is critical to the proper management of these injuries to aid reduction and predict remodeling potential. There is considerable debate around the management of proximal humerus fractures in the pediatric population. Treatment is based on patient age, fracture displacement, and remodeling capacity. Nonoperative management is successful in younger patients or less displaced fractures, and operative management is usually considered in older patients with more displaced fractures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Arin E Kim & Ishaan Swarup

  2. University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Hannah Chi

  3. University of California, San Francisco, 747 52nd Street, OPC First Floor, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA

    Ishaan Swarup

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  1. Arin E Kim
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Correspondence to Ishaan Swarup.

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Arin E. Kim, Hannah Chi, and Ishaan Swarup declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Kim, A.E., Chi, H. & Swarup, I. Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Pediatric Population. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 14, 413–420 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-021-09725-4

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