• Journal of Bone Metabolism
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2015

Background: There has been lack of epidemiology of proximal humerus fracture using nationwide database in Asia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of proximal humerus fracture and its mortality following proximal humerus fracture in Korean over 50 years of age. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance data were evaluated to determine the incidence and mortality of proximal humerus fracture aged 50 years or older from 2008 through 2012. Results: Proximal humerus fracture increased by 40.5% over 5 year of study. The incidence of fracture increased from 104.7/100,000 in 2008 to 124.7/100,000 in 2012 in women and from 45.3/100,000 in 2008 to 52.0/100,000 in 2012 in men, respectively. One year mortality rate after proximal humerus fracture was 8.0% in 2008 and 7.0% in 2012. One year mortality rate were 10.8% for men and 7.0% for women in 2008 and 8.5% for men and 6.4% for women in 2012. Conclusions: Our study showed that the proximal humerus fracture in elderly was recently increasing and associated with high mortality in Korea. Considering proximal humerus fracture was associated with an increased risk of associated fractures and an increased mortality risk, public health strategy to prevent the proximal humerus fracture in elderly will be mandatory.

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2006.03a
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• pp.63-63
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• 2006

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.68-72
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• 2022

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fractures, totaling 4% to 5% of all fractures. Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old man with a dislocated four-part fracture of the proximal humerus with a huge bony Bankart lesion. Preoperatively, the bony Bankart lesion of the glenoid was not visualized on computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging because the fracture of the proximal humerus was comminuted, displaced, and complex. It was planned for only the humerus fracture to be treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate. However, a fractured fragment remained under the scapula after reduction of the dislocated humeral head. This was mistaken for a dislocated bone fragment of the greater tuberosity and repositioning was attempted. After failure, visual confirmation showed that the bone fragment was a piece of the glenoid. After reduction and fixation of this glenoid part with suture anchors, we acquired a well-reduced fluoroscopic image. Given this case of complex proximal humerus fracture, a glenoid fracture such as a bony Bankart lesion should be considered preoperatively and intraoperatively in such cases.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.217-221
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of internal fixation with locking T-plates for osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus in patients aged 65 years and older. Methods: From January 2007 through to December 2015, we recruited 47 patients aged 65 years and older with osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. All fractures had been treated using open reduction and internal fixation with a locking T-plate. We classified the fractures in accordance to the Neer classification system; At the final follow-up, the indicators of clinical outcome-the range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation) and the presence of postoperative complications-and the indicators of radiographic outcome-the time-to-union and the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humerus-were evaluated. The Paavolainen method was used to grade the level of radiological outcome in the patients. Results: The mean flexion was $155.0^{\circ}$ (range, $90^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$), the mean internal rotation was T8 (range, T6-L2), and the mean external rotation was $66.8^{\circ}$ (range, $30^{\circ}-80^{\circ}$). Postoperative complications, such as plate impingement, screw loosening, and varus malunion were observed in five patient. We found that all patients achieved bone union, and the mean time-to-union was 13.5 weeks of the treatment. The mean neck-shaft angle was $131.4^{\circ}$ at the 6-month follow-up. According to the Paavolainen method, "good" and "fair" radiographic results each accounted for 38 and 9 of the total patients, respectively. Conclusions: We concluded that locking T-plate fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures by providing a larger surface area of contact with the fracture and a more rigid fixation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.20-25
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• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate functional results and study factors influencing results after humeral hemiarthroplasty for comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 12 patients with average follow-up period of 23 months(12 to 42). The proximal humeral fractures consisted of one anatomical neck fracture, five three-part and six four-part fractures or fracture-dislocations. Constant score and Compito et al' evaluation system were used for clinical assessment. Statistical analysis was done with the Wilcoxon test. Results: Six cases of anatomical neck, three-part fractures or fracture-dislocations showed 61 points on the average Constant score and three unsatisfactory results on the Compito et al' evaluation; Six of four-part fractures or fracture-dislocations showed 51 points and three unsatisfactory results. There were 59(two unsatisfactory) for five non-associated dislocation and 53(four unsatistactory) for seven associated dislocation; 66(one unsatisfactory) for three under 60 years and 41(five unsatisfactory) for nine over 60 years; 67(two unsatisfactory) for seven tuberosity union and 41(four unsatisfactory) for five tuberosity non-union or resorption; 58(four unsatisfactory) for ten early operation within two weeks and 43(all unsatisfactory) for two delayed operation; and 18(unsatisfactory) for one case of a accompanied rotator cuff tear. Conclusion: We concluded that tuberosity union was important factor influencing the results. Also, we thought that age, timing of operation and accompanied rotator cuff tear could be influenced to results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.187-198
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• 1999

Purpose: The authors compared the results of Ender nailing for the proximal humerus fractures with those of the conservative methods radiographically. Materials and Method: Nine patients(mean age: 69 years.) received Ender nailing, and the other nine patients, conservative treatments(mean age: 73 years). All fractures were 2 part fractures. The Ender nails were inserted either through posterior elbow approach or transepicondylar approach. A simple Velpeau bandage was applied to the conservative treatment group. The average follow-up was 15 months. Results: The initial status of the anatomical reduction, i.e., the values of the medial shift, overlapping and the varus agulation, were little changed at follow-up radiographs in both the Ender nailing group and the conservative treatment group. There was no significant difference for the status of anatomical reduction between the Ender nailing group and the conservative treatment group. The stability of fixation by Ender nails, i.e., the degree of fanning out of the nails was poor in most cases. Not a few problems/complications happened in cases of Ender nailing group; back­ing out of the nail in three cases, penetration of the nails into the humeral heads in 3, fractures or cracking of the humerus around the nail insertion area in 4 and reduction loss in one. Conclusion: We could not get better results with the use of Ender nail. We use no longer Ender nails for the proximal humerus fractures. Further studies are needed for the better option for the proximal humerus fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.198-204
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• 1998

Unstable fractures of the proximal humerus continue to be difficult problems for orthopaedic surgeons. The optimum treatment of these fractures has remained a matter of controversy. We analyzed the clinical results of open reduction and plate fixation underwent for patients of unstable fractures of proximal humerus after minimum 12 months follow up. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of open reduction and rigid plate fixation. Twenty-two patients were managed with open reduction and plate fixation. Mean follow up duration was 20.6 months(range, 12 to 28 mon.). Because the age of patient as a maker of degree of osteoporosis was considered the key factor in the success of anatomic reconstruction, we divided into two groups according to age. Group A was comprised of 12 cases with younger than 50 yrs of age. Ten cases of older than 50 yrs of age were Group B. According to Neer's classification, five cases(22%) were two part fracture, 12 cases(64%) were three part fracture, and three cases(14%) were four part fracture. We used the Neer rating system for evaluating the results. In Group A, overall scores were 79.1. In Group B, overall scores were 76.8. Overall scores in two part fracture were 85, overall scores in three part fracture 78.4 and overall scores in three part fracture 68.3. We achieved excellent or good results in nine cases(75%) of Group A and seven cases(70%) of Group B. Also, we obtained excellent or good results in all cases of two part fracture, ten cases(71%) of three fracture and one case(33%) of four part fracture. The complications were three metal loosening, one avascular necrosis of humeral head, one severe stiff shoulder, one superficial wound infection and one ectopic ossification. The results were excellent or good in 16 cases(73%) out of 22 cases. In conclusion, rigid fixation and supervised early exercise would be a good option for unstable fracture of the proximal humerus.

• 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.20 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2017

Background: Proximal humerus fracture is considered to be the third most common fracture for patients aged 65 years or older. Conservative treatment has been known to treat most of humerus fracture. However, fractures with severe displacement or dislocation may require surgical treatment. Intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate is frequently used in patients accompanying medial metaphyseal disruption. In this study, author intends to evaluate clinical and imaging results based on patients who underwent surgical treatment using fibular allograft with a locking plate. Methods: This study is conducted prospectively at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, targeting patients who previously underwent surgical treatment using open reduction and intramedullary fibular allograft with a locking plate between 2011 and 2015. A total of 26 patients were evaluated on the following: postoperational clinical assessment measuring Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Postoperational imaging assessments are evaluated via measuring the neck-shaft angle. The study subject were Neer classification type 3, 4 proximal humerus fracture cases with disrupted medial hinge and having cortical comminution in the region of the surgical neck. Results: The average period of progression was 22.5 months, and the average age of patients was 72.6 years. At the final follow-up, the average Constant, average ASES, and average DASH scores were 80.1, 78.5, and 20.6 respectively. The average neck-shaft angle was $127.5^{\circ}$. Conclusions: In conclusion, fibular allograft augmentation with a locking plate showed satisfying results in both clinical and imaging studies.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.208-216
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• 2017

Background: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of the single calcar screw plate and Polarus nail techniques for the treatment of the proximal humerus fractures. Methods: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with displaced proximal humerus fracture were enrolled for the study. Of these, 50 patients underwent the locking plate surgery with a single calcar screw (plate group), whereas 22 patients underwent the Polarus nail surgery (nail group). The plate group was further divided into plate 1 group (with medial support), and plate 2 group (without medial support). The radiological and functional results of both groups were compared to the nail group. Results: The ${\alpha}$ angle 1 year after surgery was significantly different between plate 1 and plate 2, and plate 2 and nail groups (p=0.041, p=0.043, respectively). The ratio that does not satisfy the reference value of ${\gamma}$ angle was 2.8% in plate 1, 7.1% in plate 2 and 22.7% in nail group (p=0.007); there was a significant difference between plate 1 and nail group, and plate 2 and nail group (p=0.014, p=0.033, respectively). Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in the clinical results between locking plate and Polarus nail. However, in the plate 2 group and nail group, the rate of failure to maintain reduction during the 1-year period after surgery was statistically and significantly higher than the plate 1 group (level of evidence: level IV, case series, treatment study).