The clinical benefit of medial support screws in locking plating of proximal humerus fractures: a prospective randomized study. [Surgical treatment for proximal humerus fracture]. Primary hemiarthroplasty in four-part fractures of the proximal humerus: randomized trial of two different implant systems.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefit of medial support screws for locking plating of proximal humerus fractures.
                Seventy-two consecutive patients underwent prospective treatment for proximal humerus fractures with locking plates between October 2007 and September 2008. Sixty-eight patients accomplished a mean 30.8-month follow-up and were randomized into two groups: 39 patients were treated with only a locking plate and were classified in the -MSS (medial support screw) group, and 29 patients were included in the + MSS group, which were fixed with additional medial support screws. Clinical and radiological investigations were performed in both groups.
                The fractures united at an average of 13.6 weeks after final surgery. Comparably better shoulder function recovery was achieved in the +MSS group with regard to the Constant shoulder score (P = 0.01), with the respective excellent and good rates of 79% and 62%. Eleven patients developed various complications. A statistical difference (P = 0.036) was observed regarding the failure rate (23.1% in the -MSS group vs. 3.4% in the +MSS group). The early loss of fixation was related to higher age (P < 0.001) and less initial neck-shaft angle (NSA) (P = 0.011) of the patients. However, bone mineral density was not significantly associated with loss of fixation (P = 0.076). Although no difference was found in all types of the fractures between the +MSS and -MSS groups regarding immediate postoperative NSA, we observed a significantly lower final NSA in the -MSS group and greater secondary angle loss in the subgroup of Neer three-part (P = 0.033 and 0.015, respectively) and four-part fractures (P = 0.043 and 0.027).
                Anatomical reduction can substantially decrease the risk of postoperative failure in locking plating of proximal humerus fractures. Medial support for proximal humerus fractures seems to have no benefits in Neer two-part fractures. However, the additional medial support screws inserted into the medio-inferior region of the humeral head may help to enhance mechanical stability in complex fractures and allow for better maintenance of reduction. The aim of the study was to compare the medical aspects of alternative surgical methods for treatment of proximal humerus fractures in specific indications (two- and three- fragment fractures).
                A prospective randomised study on surgical treatment of two- and three-fragment fractures of the proximal humerus was carried out at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Hradec Králové, from January 2006 till January 2010. The study comprised patients with proximal humerus fractures indicated for surgical treatment. Study inclusion criteria were as follows: informed consent, AO fracture types A2, A3, B1 or C1, age between 18 and 80 years, and patient compliance. Exclusion criteria included open fracture, associated injury (AIS . 2), open growth plates, or such state of the patient's health that would limit the extent of surgery. Two groups were compared. One included patients treated by the Zifko method of minimally invasive osteosynthesis with intramedullary K-wire insertion (MIO group) and the other (ORIF group) consisted of patients undergoing open reduction with angle-stable osteosynthesis using a Philos plate (Synthes, Switzerland). The patients were randomised to the groups by a computer programme which facilitates the maintenance of homogeneity of the groups compared. The procedure in each patient was based on the sealed-envelope method.
                The ORIF group comprised 28 patients. It took them an average of 27.2 weeks (9-72) to regain normal upper limb function. The final CM score was 86.6% (64-100%) as compared with the healthy limb. Excellent and good results were achieved in 89% of the patients; complications were recorded in 39% of them. The MIO group included 27 patients. The fractures healed in all of them. Normal upper limb function was regained at an average of 21.4 weeks (13-36). The final CM score was 87.5% (52-100%) in comparison with the healthy limb. Excellent and good results were achieved in 89% and complications developed in 33% of the patients.
                The statistical evaluation of the results, using the unpaired t-test, did not show any significant differences either in functional outcomes or the number of complications between the two groups. The only significant difference was found in operative times (117 min and 72 min in ORIF and MIO groups, respectively). The difference in time needed to regain limb function (27 and 21 weeks) was at a marginal level of statistical significance. With both methods 89% of excellent and good results were achieved, and a similar number of patients had complications (11 and 9). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different prosthetic systems on the functional and radiographic outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty for fractures. This study comprised 35 patients (28 women and 7 men) with a mean age of 74 years (range, 56-88 years) who sustained 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus and were randomly allocated to 2 different groups regarding the type of prosthesis. The 2 systems used differ mainly in the type of fixation of the tuberosities. In group 1 (EPOCA), the fixation was achieved with wire cables through a medial and a lateral hole in the stem, whereas in group 2 (HAS), the fixation was performed by use of transosseous braided sutures. After a follow-up of 1 year, the functional and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. The retrieved data demonstrate that rigid fixation and anatomic positioning of the tuberosities (group 1) increase the rate of bony healing superior to all other factors. There was a statistically significant difference regarding the relative individual Constant score (P = .001) and the mean active range of motion (flexion, P < .001; abduction, P = .001; external rotation in adduction, P = .01; and external rotation in 90 degrees abduction, P = .001) when both groups were compared, showing a better outcome in the EPOCA group for all parameters. Radiologic findings, like heterotopic ossification, glenoid erosion, or subluxation, had no significant influence on the outcome in this study. Accurate placement of the tuberosities and healing at the bone-bone interface of the rotator cuff seem to be the most important factors influencing the outcome in prosthetic care of fractures.
Overall, this review found there is either no or insufficient evidence from randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials to determine whether surgery is, and which surgical interventions are, the most appropriate for the management of different types of distal humerus fractures. Well designed and reported large and multi-centre randomised controlled trials testing current interventions, such as pre-contoured and locking plating systems, are needed.