Clinical results of surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures in patients over 80 years old

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to clarify the problems, evaluating the clinical results of surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures in patients over 80 years old.
Methods: Nineteen cases (2 male, 17 female), who were over 80 years old and treated with osteosynthesis or hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures were investigated. There were 12 cases of osteosynthesis (group P using locking plate system: 4cases, group C using intramedullary cement augmentation: 3cases, group R using Rush pin: 5 cases) and 7 cases of hemiarthroplasty (group H). We evaluated ROM of the shoulder elevation, external rotation, and also JOA score.
Results: The average age was 85.4 years old (80-91). The average elevation (group P, C, R, H) were 82.5, 70.0, 69.0, 67.1 degrees respectively. The average external rotations were 17.5, 16.7, 9.0, 15.0 degrees respectively. The average JOA score were 63.8, 62.7, 63.0, 64.3 points respectively. One case (group R) had non-union.
Conclusion: The clinical results of surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures in patients over 80 years old were fair. It is necessary to make further improvement in the surgical treatment.