Management of midclavicular fractures: comparison between nonoperative treatment and open intramedullary fixation in 80 patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the results achieved in two groups of 40 patients, treated for uncomplicated midclavicular fractures.

METHODS

Group 1 (mean age, 37.2 years) underwent nonoperative treatment with a figure-of-8 bandage, whereas group 2 (mean age, 30.2 years) underwent open reduction and intramedullary fixation with a 2.5-mm threaded pin. The groups were similar with respect to fracture type.

RESULTS

A high rate of complications occurred in group 2, including eight superficial infections, three refractures, two delayed unions with pin breakage, and two nonunions. Return to daily activities was undertaken after an average of 16.7 days from trauma in group 1, and after 40.7 days in group 2 (p = 0.00). Also, return to heavy and sport activities was more rapid for patients treated conservatively: 2.6 months versus 3.2 months (p = 0.014). At follow-up, which averaged 63.7 months, clinical evaluation according to the Constant rating scale did not show significant differences between the two groups. The absolute score averaged 84.8 in group 1 and 82.9 in group 2, whereas the mean relative scores were 94.9% and 95%, respectively. Thirty patients of each group were completely satisfied with the treatment received. The most common cause of dissatisfaction was represented by the unaesthetic appearance of the clavicle, because of subcutaneous bone prominence or dystrophic surgical scars.

CONCLUSION

According to our experience, we conclude that nonoperative treatment appears more advantageous than open intramedullary fixation for the management of most midclavicular fractures.

Six-year experience with the Delta III reverse shoulder prosthesis

PURPOSE

To report the clinical and radiographic results and complications of the Delta III reverse prosthesis.

METHODS

24 women and 2 men aged 62 to 84 (mean, 75) years underwent total shoulder replacement using the Delta III reverse prosthesis. Patient diagnoses were massive rotator cuff tear (n=20), disabling sequelae of proximal humeral fractures (n=3), and failure of an unconstrained arthroplasty (n=3). Clinical and functional results were assessed using the Constant scale. Active range of motion (ROM) was measured. Scapular notching and radiolucent lines around the humeral component were evaluated using radiographs. Patient satisfaction of the treatment was evaluated by a direct interview.

RESULTS

23 patients were followed up for 26 to 84 (mean, 42) months. Two patients had loosening of the glenoid component (at 6 months and 5 years) and underwent revision surgery. There were no instances of infection, instability, or acromial fracture. Only active elevation improved significantly after surgery, as did both the absolute and adjusted Constant scores. 12 patients were completely pain-free, 9 complained of slight pain, and one of moderate pain. The severity of scapular notching progressed with time. 15 patients were satisfied with the treatment, 6 were partially satisfied, and 2 were not satisfied.

CONCLUSION

The Delta III prosthesis restores shoulder function but has biomechanical limits. Its use should be limited to elderly patients with severe impairment of the glenohumeral joint. Scapular notching is a main concern for the long-term survival of the implant.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty without subscapularis repair for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients.

METHODS

The same surgical technique was adopted in all patients: the procedure was performed through a deltopectoral approach, the subscapularis was always resected, and a positioning jig was used to implant the cemented humeral component in the desired height and in 20° of retroversion. Nineteen consecutive patients, affected by complex fractures of the proximal humerus, were operated in a 3-year period by the same surgeon at a single institution. All the patients were female, with a mean age of 75 years (range 70-83).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 22 months (range 12-46 months). A postoperative infected hematoma was the only recorded complication. The absolute Constant score averaged 45.7 (range 19-69), while the relative and normalized scores averaged 65.1 (range 33-97) and 58.5 (range 24-91), respectively. The average Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score was 39 (range 6-89). X-rays showed healing of the greater tuberosity to the humeral diaphysis in nine shoulders.

CONCLUSIONS

RSA is an established treatment option for elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures, particularly when general and local conditions are predictive of failure with hemiarthroplasty. Even though clinical results were quite variable in this series of patients, the adoption of a standardized surgical technique allowed to minimize postoperative complications. Subscapularis repair does not seem a critical factor for preventing implant dislocation, but its influence on functional results needs further investigation.

The normalization of data in the Constant-Murley score for the shoulder. A study conducted on 563 healthy subjects

The study was conducted in order to evaluate the theoretical design of the Constant-Murley system and to reveal any difficulties in obtaining data when it is used in 563 subjects not affected with shoulder pathology. The total mean score for the subjects examined was 85.2 points (minimum 75, maximum 100 points). Values revealed a decreasing trend beginning at 50 years of age for men and 30 for women. Only 4 subjects achieved a maximum score of 100. The measurements taken allowed us to elaborate a reference table based on sex and age, which was required to calculate the correct score. These values differ from those reported by the inventors of the system and they reveal the need to compile personal tables for the normalization of scores.

Partial prosthetic replacement of the shoulder in fractures and fracture-dislocations of the proximal humerus

A total of 48 patients submitted to partial shoulder replacement for fracture and fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range 2 to 10 years). The absolute mean Constant score was 57.8, relative score 76.8% and corrected score 80.4%. A mean of 8.8 points were totalled in the Simple Shoulder Test. Out of 45 patients evaluated radiographically, tuberosity consolidation in the anatomical site was evident in 25 shoulders (55%) and the subacromial space appeared to be preserved in 20 shoulders (44%). More than 90% of the patients declared that he or she was satisfied with treatment. A comparative study on subgroups of patients in an attempt to identify the prognostic value of several factors was conducted. Better functional results were obtained in subjects aged under 70 years, in fracture-dislocations, in shoulders with whole rotator cuffs, in patients with dedicated modular prostheses.

Ossification of a perineal haematoma consequent to dislocation of the symphysis pubis

The authors discuss an unusual complication of dislocation of the symphysis pubis in a female aged 11 years, consisting of an ossified perineal haematoma on one side of the vagina and in the corresponding labrum minore. The most probable pathogenetic hypothesis is that fragments of the periosteum of the pubis remained included in the haematoma, and this was followed by gravitation towards the more dependent tissues.