抄録
Background: Proximal humeral fracture in aged individuals occurs frequently as a complication of a fall. There are few reports on the functional prognosis based on a patient's subjective point of view. There is a concern of high frequency of subsequent falls and resultant fractures, and if the locomotive organs are not properly managed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the patient's subjective shoulder function, the risk and frequency of subsequent falls in elderly patients after proximal humeral fracture.
Methods: The enrollment criteria were; patient aged over 65 years, diagnosed as having a proximal humeral fracture, and being followed up for more than 12 months. A questionnaire was sent to the patients to investigate the shoulder function by Shoulder36V1.3 and the risk of subsequent falls by the 5-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-5).
Results: Forty-two patients (4 male, 38 female, mean age 76 y.o.) satisfied the criteria and 22 patients (3 male, 19 female, mean age 76 y.o.)(62%)replied to the questionnaire. Among them, Shoulder 36 were lower compared to the age-matched control group. The mean GLFS-5 scale was 9.8 points and 16 patients (73%) met the criteria of locomotive syndrome. Six patients (27%) had actually experienced the subsequent falls.
Discussion: This study found unsatisfactory subjective shoulder function and high prevalence of locomotive syndrome in elderly patients after proximal humeral fracture. A new management system should be established, that includes not only to improving shoulder function but also managing locomotive syndrome, to prevent the subsequent falls in the elderly population.
