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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-10-2013 | Trauma Surgery

Operative versus non-operative treatment for two-part surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus

Authors: O. Hauschild, G. Konrad, L. Audige, P. de Boer, S. M. Lambert, R. Hertel, N. P. Südkamp

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 10/2013

Abstract

Introduction

Aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of operative as compared to conserveative treatment for two-part humerus fractures at the surgical neck.

Methods

Data from a prospective multi-centre cohort study on four treatment options (conservative treatment and three implants, i.e. LPHP, PHILOS and PHN) for proximal humerus fractures were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. All patients with two-part fractures of the surgical neck (AO types A2, n = 54 and A3, n = 110) were identified and included for the analysis. All operatively treated patients were gathered and compared to those receiving conservative treatment. Primary outcome parameters were pain, range of motion and absolute and relative Constant scores at 3, 6 and 12 months following injury and coronal plane alignment at 12 months.

Results

Operative (n = 133) and non-operative (n = 31) groups were comparable with regard to all parameters assessed including mean age (62.9 vs. 65.6, P = 0.479), gender (27 vs. 29 % male, P = 0.826) and fracture distribution (65 vs. 77 % A3 type, P = 0.207). 26 of the 31 conservatively treated and 103 of the 133 operatively treated patients (84 and 77 %, respectively) were available for final follow-up. There was a continuous improvement for all outcome parameters in both treatment groups (P < 0.001). Operative treatment resulted in a more effective reduction of pain at 3 months (51 vs. 76 % reporting pain at fracture site, P = 0.03) and a reduction of coronal plane malalignment. Both range of motion and Constant scores were, however, comparable in both groups at all follow-up visits. Relative and absolute Constant scores were generally excellent at final follow-up (74 vs. 74, P = 0.528 and 89 vs. 91, P = 0.494, respectively).

Conclusions

Both non-operative treatment and operative treatment using modern implants (LPHP, PHILOS and PHN) can be considered safe and effective treatment options for two-part fractures of the proximal humerus. Operative treatment may result in better range of motion and reduced pain in the early postoperative course of treatment.

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Title: Operative versus non-operative treatment for two-part surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus
Authors: O. Hauschild
G. Konrad
L. Audige
P. de Boer
S. M. Lambert
R. Hertel
N. P. Südkamp
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1798-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Operative versus non-operative treatment for two-part surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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