• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.95-99
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation with fibular strut allograft to manage unstable osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who underwent open reduction and locking plate fixation with fibular strut allograft for osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture between July 2011 and June 2015. For functional evaluation, we evaluated visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion. For radiological evaluation, shoulder true anteroposterior (AP) and AP in $20^{\circ}$ external rotation, as well as the axillary view were taken at two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year. And the neck-shaft angle was measured on the AP view in $20^{\circ}$ external rotation view. Results: At the one-year follow-up, mean VAS pain score and all shoulder scores, including ASES score and UCLA shoulder score, exhibited satisfactory clinical outcomes. All patients obtained bone union between three and six months post-procedure. Moreover, the mean immediate postoperative neck-shaft angle was $138^{\circ}{\pm}4^{\circ}$, and at one-year follow-up, the neck shaft angle was $137^{\circ}{\pm}5^{\circ}$. There was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative values (p=0.105). Conclusions: For the unstable two-part and three-part osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures with medial calcar comminution, the use of fibular strut allograft with locking plate fixation was effective in maintaining the initial status of reduction and exhibiting the satisfactory functional and radiological outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.216-222
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• 2016

Background: We investigated the effectiveness of fibular strut allograft augmentation of proximal humerus fractures to prevent varus deformity in patients over the age of 65 years with insufficient medial support. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plate fixation with adjunct fibular strut allograft augmentation in 21 patients with proximal humeral fractures. The inclusion criteria were age (65-year-old or older); presence of severe medial comminution; inadequate medial support; and those who could participate in at least a one year follow-up. The average age was 76.4 years. We analyzed each patient's Constant score, our indicator of clinical outcome. As radiological parameters, we analyzed time-to-bone union; restoration of the medial hinge; difference between the immediately postoperative and the last follow-up humeral neck-shaft angles;; and anatomical reduction status, which was assessed using the Paavolainen method. Results: A successful bone union was achieved in all patients at an average of 11.4 weeks. We found that the average Constant score was 74.2, showing a satisfactory outcome. The average difference in the humeral neck-shaft angles between the immediately postoperative time-point and at the final follow-up was $3.09^{\circ}$. According to the Paavolainen method, the anatomical reduction was rated excellent. The medial hinge was restored in 14 of 21 patients. Although we did not find evidence for osteonecrosis, we found that a single patient had a postoperative complication of screw cut-out. Conclusions: Fibular strut allografting as an adjunct treatment of proximal humeral fractures may reduce varus deformity in patients with severe medial comminution.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.152-155
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• 2020

Periprosthetic fracture after total elbow replacement surgery is a difficult complication to manage, especially when it comes together with implant loosening. If stem revision and internal fixation of the periprosthetic fracture are performed simultaneously, this would be a very challenging procedure. Most of total elbow replacement implants are cemented type. Cement usage at periprosthetic fracture site may interfere healing of fractured site. Authors underwent internal fixation with use of locking plate and cerclage wire for periprosthetic fracture, allogenous fibular strut bone inserted into the humerus intramedullary canal allowing the fractured site to be more stable without cement usage. At 10-month follow-up, the complete union and good clinical outcome was achieved. We present a novel technique for treating periprosthetic fracture with implant loosening after total elbow replacement surgery, using intramedullary allogenous fibula strut bone graft.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2019

Background: The execution of fibular allograft augmentation in unstable proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) was technically demanding. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes after tricortical iliac allograft (TIA) augmentation in PHFs. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 38 PHF patients treated with locking-plate fixation and TIA augmentation. Insertion of a TIA was indicated when an unstable PHF showed a large cavitary defect and poor medial column support after open reduction, regardless of the presence of medial cortical comminution in preoperative images. Radiographic imaging parameters (humeral head height, HHH; humeral neck-shaft angle, HNSA; head mediolateral offset, HMLO; and status of the union), Constant score, and range of motion were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to whether the medial column support after open reduction was poor or not (groups A and B, respectively); clinical outcomes were compared for all parameters. Results: All fractures healed radiologically (average duration to complete union, 5.8 months). At final evaluation, the average Constant score was 73 points and the mean active forward flexion was $148^{\circ}$. Based on the Paavolainen assessment method, 33 patients had good results and 5 patients showed fair results. The mean loss of reduction was 1.32 mm in HHH and 5.02% in HMLO. None of the parameters evaluated showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (poor and not poor medial column support). Conclusions: In unstable PHFs, TIA augmentation can provide good clinical and radiological results when there are poor medial column support and a large cavitary defect after open reduction.