• 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.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.50-54
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• 2019

The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of Korean traditional medicine in the postoperative treatment of proximal humeral fracture. The patient with postoperative pain following proximal humeral fracture surgery was treated with Korean traditional medicine including acupuncture cupping therapy and herbal medicine in hospital for 67 days. The effects of the treatment were evaluated using the Numerical Rate Scale (NRS), Range Of Motion (ROM), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). As a result of treatment, the NRS score was reduced from 7 to 3, the ROM was improved (on average by 21%), SPADI was reduced from 93 to 25.9. This study proposes that Korean traditional medicine may be effective in postoperative treatment for proximal humeral fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.282-287
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• 2022

Background: Muscular forces drive proximal humeral fracture deformity, yet it is unknown if arm position can help mitigate such forces. Our hypothesis was that glenohumeral abduction and humeral internal rotation decrease the pull of the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles, minimizing varus fracture deformity. Methods: A medial wedge osteotomy was performed in eight cadaveric shoulders to simulate a two-part fracture. The specimens were tested on a custom shoulder testing system. Humeral head varus was measured following physiologic muscle loading at neutral and 20° humeral internal rotation at both 0° and 20° glenohumeral abduction. Results: There was a significant decrease in varus deformity caused by the subscapularis (p<0.05) at 20° abduction. Significantly increasing humeral internal rotation decreased varus deformity caused by the subscapularis (p<0.05) at both abduction angles and that caused by the supraspinatus (p<0.05) and infraspinatus (p<0.05) at 0° abduction only. Conclusions: Postoperative shoulder abduction and internal rotation can be protective against varus failure following proximal humeral fracture fixation as these positions decrease tension on the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles. Use of a resting sling that places the shoulder in this position should be considered.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2019

Background: This study was conducted to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of internal fixation using a Polarus humeral nail for treatment of a humeral shaft fracture according to fracture types. Methods: From 43 patients, 13 were excluded and 30 patients were included. The 30 patients were divided into 2 groups: 15 in group I (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft $f{\ddot{u}}r$ Osteosynthesefragen classification type A and B) and 15 in group II (type C). The mean age was 63.1 years (range, 20-87 years), and mean follow-up period was 2.3 years (range, 1.0-6.1 years). The causes of injuries were as follows: 12, traffic accidents; 14, simple slips; 2, simple falls; 2, contusions after lower energy trauma. Radiological and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Radiological union was confirmed by plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs on average of 5.0 months in group I, and 8.4 months in group II, respectively. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). The clinical union value was 1.6 in group I, and 2.0 months in group II, but these values did not differ significantly (p=0.441). The mean Korean shoulder scoring system scores were 89.7 and 90.6, which did not differ significantly (p=0.352). Conclusions: Intramedullary nailing using the Polarus humeral nail is considered to be a good treatment modality for all types of humeral shaft fractures. Additionally, the Polarus humeral nail can be an optimal choice for the treatment of complex type fractures such as segmental or comminuted humeral shaft fractures.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 1991

We have reviewed seven cases of fracture-separation of the distal humeral epiphysis, one of which was initially misdiagnosed as a fracture of the lateral condyle. There were difficulties in making the diagnosis. The injury must be distinguished from an elbow dislocation and a fracture of the lateral humeral condyle. All seven patients revealed posteromedial displacenemt of the distal humeral epiphysis on initial x-rays. Three patients were treated by closed reduction and cast immmobilization, and four patients by open reduction and internal fixation. All three patients with conservative treatment had slight cubitus varus(under 5 degrees). Two patients with operative treatment had significant deformities of the elbow, one 25 degrees of valgus and one 20 degrees of varus. In treatment of these injuries, accurate evaluation of the state of reduction is most important. We got acceptable results with a conservative treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.80-83
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• 2011

Purpose: Traumatic posterior dislocation of the shoulder in a child is extremely rare, and posterior dislocation of the shoulder concomitant with ipsilateral humeral surgical neck fracture has not been reported in a child previously in Korea. Materials and Methods: The authors treated a 10-year-old with posterior dislocation of left shoulder and an ipsilateral humeral surgical neck fracture, that occurred during Taekwondo practice, by open reduction of the shoulder and pin fixation under general anesthesia. Results: A normal range of motion with complete union and good remodeling was achieved without redislocation or avascular necrosis of humeral head at 1 year after surgery. Conclusion: The authors report a successfully treated case of traumatic posterior dislocation of the shoulder with an ipsilateral humeral surgical neck fracture in child.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 1998

Comminuted fracture of the distal end of the humerus in adults is very rare and difficult to treat. In operative treatment, an implant which can achieve accurate anatoraical reduction and rigid fixation is needed. But the pre­existing Y -shaped plate had wide and thick limbs and some problems in fixation for most distal humeral fractures. So we devised a modified plate which is more narrow and th1n and has a different hole distance and wing length (long lateral wing). The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical result of this modified anatomical Y -plate. From 1991 to 1997, we treated 23 cases of distal humeral fractures using modified anatomical plate and the results were as follows. 1. Fracture type in 18 patients(78%) was C-type(C1,C2,C3) which were intraarticular and mostly displaced or comminuted. 2. Bony union was obtained in 22 patients(96%) through rigid fixation and observed radiologically at 3.5 months(2-6months) on the average. 3. In 23 patients, 19 patients(82%) showed satisfactory results after 34 months(6-73months) follow-up. So if the modified anatomical Y-plate is used in the treatment of distal humeral fracture, a satisfactory result can be obtained through a more accurate, easy, and rigid fixation than preexisting plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.249-251
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• 2016

iepicondylar fracture of the humerus is very rare in adults. To date, there have been limited evidence of this injury in the English literature. We report a case of a 65-year-old female with a biepicondylar fracture of the left distal humerus without dislocation. Open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires, cannulated screw, and suture anchor were performed. We obtained stability of the elbow and a satisfactory functional outcome. Because this type of injury is associated with varus and valgus instability, operative reduction and fixation are essential in order to gain stability and early recovery of normal function.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.409-412
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• 2004

Authors introduce a case of successful orthopedic surgery for humeral fracture of Common buzzard (Buteo buteo). The bird, juvenile male, was rescued due to illegal gun shot in Yeoncheon-Gun, Kyonggi-Do. The external skeletal fixation (ESF) with intramedullary pinning (Tie-in method) using Imex clamps was chosen for this fracture case. The common buzzard was anesthetized with hand made face mask and Isoflurane. In particular, the rescued bird was needed rehabilitating procedures, such as flight training or physical exercise for their survivals in wild habitats. The injured buzzard is successfully recovered without any damage to ligaments and nerves after 6 weeks.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes after treatment of proximal humeral fractures with locking plates, and to determine which factors influence the clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: Fifty six patients who were treated with locking plates for proximal humeral fractures and had been followed for more than 1 year were enrolled in this study. We performed functional evaluation using the Constant score and analyzed radiographic results. The following factors that may potentially influence the clinical outcomes were assessed: age, gender, type of fracture, presence of medial metaphyseal comminution, bone mineral density, anatomical reduction, restoration of medial mechanical support, and postoperative complications. Results: The mean Constant score was 70.1 points at the final follow-up. Female gender, 4-part fractures, AO type-C fractures, and fractures with medial metaphyseal comminution were associated with a poor clinical outcome. On the other hand, restoration of medial mechanical support and accurate anatomical reduction had a positive influence on clinical outcomes. Postoperative complications resulted in 3 patients (intra-articular screw perforation: 1 patient, varus deformity with screw loosening: 1 patient, nonunion: 1 patient). Conclusions: When treating proximal humeral fractures with locking plate fixation, following factors: a female gender, Neer type 4-part fracture, AO type C fracture, and medial metaphyseal comminution are important risk factors that surgeons should take into consideration. Factors that contribute to better clinical outcomes of operative treatment for humeral fractures are accurate anatomical reduction and restoration of medial mechanical support.