Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Kyu-Hak Jung

2 Articles

Proximal screw number and neck-shaft angle after locking plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures at a single center in Korea: a retrospective cohort study: Dong Uk Jin, Se Ho Kang, Yeong Chan Kim, Kyu-Hak Jung, Sang-Pil So; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(4):365-373. Published online October 20, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00276

Abstract PDF: Background
The neck-shaft angle (NSA) may decrease between the immediate postoperative assessment and radiographic union after locking plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures. However, the relationship between the number of proximal humeral head screws and postoperative NSA remains unclear. This study compared postoperative NSA and the change in NSA (ΔNSA) among groups defined by the number of proximal screws.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent locking plate fixation of a proximal humerus fracture between August 2025 and June 2026. Patients were classified into three groups according to the number of proximal screws: ≤7, 8, or 9. NSA was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at radiographic union, hereafter referred to as the final assessment. Final NSA, ΔNSA, the proportions of patients with varus malalignment (final NSA <120°) and angular loss of reduction (ΔNSA ≤−10°), and complication rates were compared among groups. Trends across increasing screw numbers were also assessed.
Results
Nineteen patients were evaluated: nine in the ≤7-screw group, four in the 8-screw group, and six in the 9-screw group. Immediate postoperative NSA was 140.1°±5.7°, 136.2°±11.8°, and 134.0°±6.2° in the three groups, respectively; final NSA was 131.6°±9.2°, 129.5°±16.1°, and 130.2°±8.3°; and ΔNSA was −8.6°±8.8°, −6.8°±4.6°, and −3.8°±5.2°. None of these outcomes differed significantly among groups (all P>0.05). Varus malalignment occurred in 22.2%, 25.0%, and 16.7% of patients, respectively (P=0.944). Angular loss of reduction occurred in 44.4%, 25.0%, and 0%, respectively; neither the overall group difference (P=0.159) nor the trend across groups (P=0.056) reached statistical significance. Complication rates also did not differ significantly among groups.
Conclusions
In this small retrospective cohort, the number of proximal screws was not significantly associated with final NSA or ΔNSA. Although the proportion of patients with angular loss of reduction decreased numerically as the screw number increased, this trend was not statistically significant and should be regarded as exploratory. Level of evidence: III.

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Clinical and radiographic outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in Korea with three or more years of follow-up: a retrospective cohort study: Sang Jin Cheon, Kyu-Hak Jung, Min Hyeok Choi, Suk-Woong Kang; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):147-155. Published online February 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00325

Abstract PDF

Background
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) is an established treatment option for complex proximal humeral fractures, particularly in cases involving severe comminution or osteoporotic bone. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of HA with a minimum follow-up of 3 years and aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with postoperative function.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients (16 males and 28 females; mean age, 61.2 years; range, 23–83 years) who underwent shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures between 2005 and 2018. The mean follow-up duration was 70.4 months (range, 36–168 months). Clinical evaluations included the Constant score, visual analog scale pain score, patient satisfaction, and range of motion. Radiographic assessments examined tuberosity healing, radiolucent lines, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and glenoid arthrosis.
Results
At the 3-year follow-up, 64% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. The mean Constant score was 46.6 (range, 13–71), and the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score was 53.5 (range, 19–92). Radiographically, 23% of patients demonstrated radiolucent lines, and 41% showed evidence of glenoid arthrosis. Tuberosity absorption occurred in 39% of patients, with a mean onset of 11.2 months postoperatively, and was significantly associated with lower Constant scores and reduced range of motion. Patients younger than 60 years demonstrated better functional outcomes and lower rates of tuberosity absorption. The mean AHD decreased from 8.4 mm postoperatively to 4.4 mm at the 3-year follow-up (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures yielded satisfactory pain relief and functional outcomes, particularly when tuberosity healing was preserved. However, elderly patients with diminished bone quality were more likely to develop tuberosity absorption and experience poorer functional recovery. Meticulous surgical technique and careful postoperative surveillance remain essential to achieving optimal results. Level of evidence: III.

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Clinical impact of scapular stress fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a single-center propensity score–matchedanalysis
By Chul-Hyun Cho, Hyuk-Joon Sohn, Du-Han Kim
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.2026;[Epub] CrossRef

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