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.
Purpose This study analyzed the prognostic factors in patients with femoral head fractures by comparing two groups with and without complications. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was performed on femoral head fracture patients who visited two different level-1 trauma centers from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2018. Thirty-three patients with a follow-up period of more than one year were included. Early complications were defined as fair or poor in the Thompson–Epstein clinical evaluation criteria and grades 3 or 4 in the Kellgren– Lawrence classification within one year after the fracture. The patients were divided into two groups, with and without early complications. Statistical analysis was performed for the nominal variables with a Fisher’s exact test and continuous variables using a Mann–Whitney U test. Results Nine patients (27.3%) had early complications, and there were no significant differences according to age, sex, treatment method, combined fractures, Pipkin classification, and AO/OTA classification between the two groups. Conclusion The prognosis in femoral head fractures is difficult to predict. Therefore, the validation of existing classifications or a new classification is necessary.
Traumatic dislocation or fracture-dislocation of the hip is relatively uncommon, but high velocity accidents have increased its incidence in recent years. The purpose of this study was to review the result of the treatment and to evaluate the prognostic factor. We retroprospectively reviewed 28 patients with traumatic fracture-dislocation of the hip between October, 1993 and March, 1996. 21 were males and 7 females. The mean age was 33.5 years(range, 11 to 67 years). Average follow-up was 18 months(range, 13 to 28 months). Exellent or good results were obtained in 19 patients(68%) by the criteria of Epstein. The complications were followings 2 cases of avascular necrosis and 1 case of osteoarthritis. Factors associated with a good prognosis included an early reduction, low level of initial trauma, abscence of associated injury.
Outcomes of Treatment for Femoral Head Fractures with Hip Dislocation - Review of 20 Cases - Ji Wan Kim, Jae Suk Chang, Joo Yul Bae, Jung Jae Kim Hip & Pelvis.2010; 22(4): 298. CrossRef