• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.136-143
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical differences between open reduction and plate fixation via a deltopectoral approach with allogenous fibular bone graft and a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), in Neer's classification two-, threepart proximal humeral fractures. Methods: In this retrospective study, 77 patients with two-, three-part proximal humeral fractures were treated at two different institutions. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed in 39 patients, who underwent MIPO at one institution (group A), and 38 patients, who underwent a deltopectoral approach with allo-fibular bone graft (group B) at another institution. The results between the groups were compared. Results: The MIPO technique was significantly less time consuming and caused less bleeding than the deltopectoral approach with allo-fibular bone graft (P<0.05). The duration of the fracture union was significantly reduced in group A (14.5±3.4; range, 10-22 weeks) compared to group B (16.4±4.3; range, 12-28) weeks (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups when evaluating the visual analog scale and Constant scores between the two groups, 1 year postoperatively. In radiological evaluation, there was no difference in radiological outcomes between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in malunion between the two groups. Conclusions: The MIPO technique and deltopectoral approach with allo-fibular bone graft for two-, three-part proximal humeral fractures, show similar clinical and radiological results. However, allogenous fibular grafts require longer surgery, cause more bleeding, and result in longer fracture healing time than MIPO technique.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.220-226
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• 2018

Background: This study introduces a surgical technique with good clinical outcome useful in the treatment of osteoporotic displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Methods: From May 2014 to February 2016, 16 patients with displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures were treated by application of a locking plate with an endosteal strut allograft via a deltoid splitting approach with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The allograft was inserted through a fractured gap of the greater tuberosity to support the humeral head and then fixed by a locking plate with meticulous soft tissue dissection to protect the axillary nerve. Surgical outcomes were evaluated by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, radiological imaging, and clinical examination. Fixation failure on radiographs was defined as a >$5^{\circ}$ loss of neck shaft angle (NSA) compared to that on an immediate postoperative radiograph. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head was also evaluated. Results: In all cases, complete union was achieved. The ASES and VAS scores were improved to $85.4{\pm}2.1$ and $3.2{\pm}1.3$, respectively. Twelve patients (75.0%) had greater than a $5^{\circ}$ change in NSA; the average NSA change was $3.8^{\circ}$. Five patients (31.3%) had unsatisfactory ranges of motion exhibiting a <$100^{\circ}$ active forward flexion. No axillary nerve injuries or AVN were observed at the last follow-up. One patient was converted to reverse total arthroplasty due to severe pain and functional deficit. Conclusions: Minimally invasive fixation via a locking compression plate and an endosteal fibula strut allograft in Neer classification 3-or 4-part fractures with severe osteoporosis in elderly patients can achieve good clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.68-74
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• 2015

Background: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the functional and radiologic outcomes of additive augmentation sutures through rotator cuff for proximal humeral fractures stabilized locking plate in elderly patients. Methods: We enrolled 74 patients over the age of 60 years who received internal fixation using locking plates for proximal humeral fractures. Of these, 50 patients had additive augmentation sutures through rotator cuff. The mean age at the time of surgery was 72.1 years (range, 60-89 years), and the mean follow-up period was 17.5 months (range, 12-62 months). The humeral neck-shaft angle and humeral head height were used as radiological markers to assess the effect of additive augmentation sutures through rotator cuff. We allocated the patients who received additive augmentation sutures into group A and those who did not into group B. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean Korean Showlder Society score and Constant scores were $88.96{\pm}12.1$ and $86.6{\pm}11.9$, respectively, in group A and $86.21{\pm}11.8$ and $85.3{\pm}11.7$, respectively, in group B (p=0.368, 0.271). At the final follow-up, the mean loss in humeral neck-shaft angle from the time of immediate postoperative measurement was $1.6^{\circ}$ in group A and $4.8^{\circ}$ in group B, whereas the mean loss in humeral head height was 0.82 mm in group A and 0.52 mm in group B (p=0.029, 0.178). Conclusions: The surgical outcomes of internal fixation using locking plates for proximal humeral fractures were clinically and radiologically good in elderly patients over the age of 60 years without any observable complications. Further, the loss of humeral head shaft angle at the final follow-up from its initial postoperative measurement was significantly smaller in patients who received an additive augmentation suture than in those who did not. Thus, we conclude that augmentation sutures are a beneficial option for elderly patients that clinicians can consider at the time of surgical decision making.

• 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.19 no.4
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• pp.223-228
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• 2016

Background: The aim of study was to confirm the clinical effectiveness and results of wide and single anterior approach for fractures occurring along length of humerus. Methods: A total of 23 patients with humeral fracture were enrolled into our study who were able to participate in at least one year of follow-up. Seven patients had segmental comminuted humeral fractures and 16 patients had distal humeral fractures. We made various tractions of the muscles to expose the proximal and the middle third humerus between the biceps and brachialis and the distal humerus by partial splitting of lateral side of biceps through a single incision. Postoperatively, we measured the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI). Results: we achieved bone union in all 23 patients. Solid union of the bone was achieved at an average 13.9 weeks. Postoperatively, two complications were observed screw loosening and nonunion. Revision surgery was performed in both patients. The patient with bone nonunion was treated using bone grafts. No postoperative infections or peripheral neuropathies were observed. At the final follow-up (average 20 months), we found that the average MEPI functional score of the patients was 91.7 points regardless of the fracture site. Conclusions: Our whole humerus with a single incision was effective for the treatment of segmental comminuted and distal fractures. we believe it is a useful alternative to preexisting methods of fracture fixation.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2023

The surgical approach for humeral implant failure can be challenging due to neurovascular anatomy and the possible necessity of osteosynthesis removal. We present a rare case of humeral nail bending after secondary trauma in a patient with preexistent nonunion of the humerus after intramedullary nailing. During revision surgery, the nail was sawed in half and the distal part was removed, followed by plate osteosynthesis with cable fixation to achieve absolute stability. The patient regained a full range of motion 1 year after surgery, and complete healing of the fracture was seen on imaging.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the results of using a locking compression plate and an unlocked plate for treating proximal humeral fractures. Materials and Methods: This study was based on 20 patients who underwent plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures out of the 87 patients with proximal humeral fractures and who were admitted from 2003 to 2007 in our hospital. Of the 20 patients, 10 were treated with a locking compression plate and the other 10 were treated with an unlocked plate. Each group was evaluated according to the humeral neck shaft angle, the period until bony union, the complications and the Constant score. The humeral neck shaft angle was based on plain x-rays taken immediately after the operation and at 6 months postoperatively. The Constant score was evaluated on the last visit to our clinic. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the neck shaft angle, the period until bony union and the Constant score. Yet, there were three cases of screw migration in the unlocked plate group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the neck shaft angle, the period until bony union and the Constant score. The locking compression plate is considered to achieve more effective fixation for proximal humerus fractures because there were less complications such as screw migration.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.75-79
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• 2015

Background: This retrospective comparative study aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of two surgical methods for simple fractures of the humeral shaft; minimally invasive anterior plating and open reduction combined with internal fixation. Methods: A total of 26 patients with humeral shaft simple fractures, who had surgery between June 2009 and September 2013 and were followed-up at least 12 months, were included in our analysis. They were divided into two groups; group 1 comprised of 12 patients who underwent minimally invasive anterior plating and group 2 comprised of 14 patients who underwent an open reduction and internal fixation. The clinical outcomes, radiological results, and complications were compared and analyzed. Results: We found that bone union was achieved in all patients, and the mean union periods were $20.7{\pm}3.34$ and $20.3{\pm}3.91$ weeks for groups 1 and 2, respectively. In most patients, we found that shoulder and elbow functions were recovered. At 12 months post-operation, we found that the Korean Shoulder Scoring system, the University of California at Los Angeles score and Mayo elbow performance score were $91.4{\pm}7.97$, $33.4{\pm}1.15$, and $90.8{\pm}2.23$ for group 1, and $95.2{\pm}1.53$, $33.3{\pm}1.43$, and $90.17{\pm}1.85$ for group 2. In terms of complications, we found that 2 patients had radial nerve palsy after open reduction and internal fixation, but all cases spontaneously resolved within 6 months. Complications such as infection and loss of fixation were not reported. Conclusions: Both minimally invasive anterior plating and open reduction with internal fixation produced satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of simple fractures of the humeral shaft.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.82-86
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• 2023

Intraoperative periprosthetic humeral fractures are a rare but debilitating complication of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and can occur during multiple stages of the procedure. Prior biceps tenodesis has been found to reduce cortical humeral strength and predispose the patient to humeral fracture. We present a case of a 68-year-old female with a previous history of biceps tenodesis due to an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Months later, and after symptoms persisted, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty was performed. During the surgery and while performing final reduction, a fracture line was observed involving the hole used for the previous tenodesis procedure. The fracture was repaired, and the patient reported favorable outcomes. We report several factors that might have contributed to sustenance of this intraoperative fracture including prior biceps tenodesis, use of a press fit humeral stem, and the sex of the patient. Level of evidence: V.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2015

In orthopedic trauma surgery, treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fractures is a challenge. With development of implants and biomechanical studies, surgical strategies with recommendations including preoperative computed tomography images, proper approaches and open reduction and internal fixation with dual plates have emerged. In addition, as an effort to provide stable fixation to permit early elbow motion, different methods of internal fixation, particularly plate configuration, have evolved. Using dual plates, either oriented parallel to each other or orthogonal, stable fixation has been achieved and satisfactory clinical outcomes have been reported. With rationales and advantages/disadvantages of each plate configuration, both techniques are selected according to surgeons' preference, and, in specific cases, one could be preferred over another. The key to successful fixation by either technique is obtaining anatomical reduction with restoration of two stable columns of the distal humerus.