Reverse or Hemi Shoulder Arthroplasty in Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Single-Blinded Prospective Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

Optimal combination of arthroplasty type, fixation method, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol for complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to define the optimal combination of surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation protocol for elderly patients undergoing either hemiarthroplasty (HA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for acute proximal humerus fracture (PHF) by performing a network meta-analysis of the comparative studies in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was screened from 2007 to 2023. Inclusion criteria were level I-IV studies utilizing primary HA and/or rTSA published in a peer-reviewed journal, that specified whether humeral stems were cemented or noncemented, specified postoperative rehabilitation protocol, and reported results of HA and/or rTSA performed for PHF. Early range of motion (ROM) was defined as the initiation of active ROM at ≤3 weeks after surgery. Level of evidence was evaluated based on the criteria by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Clinical outcomes were compared using a frequentist approach to network meta-analysis with a random-effects model that was performed using the netmeta package version 0.9-6 in R.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies (1119 patients) were included with an average age of 74 ± 3.7 and mean follow-up of 32 ± 11.1 months. In the early ROM cohort (Early), the mean time to active ROM was 2.4 ± 0.76 weeks compared to 5.9 ± 1.04 weeks in the delayed ROM cohort (Delayed). Overall, rTSA-Pressfit-Early resulted in statistically superior outcomes including postoperative forward elevation (126 ± 27.5), abduction (116 ± 30.6), internal rotation (5.27 ± 0.74, corresponding to L3-L1), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (71.8 ± 17), tuberosity union (89%), and lowest tuberosity nonunion rate (9.6%) in patients ≥65 year old with acute PHF undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (all P ≤ .05). In total there were 277 (14.5%) complications across the cohorts, of which 89/277 (34%) were in the HA-Cement-Delayed cohort. HA-Cement-Delayed resulted in 2-times higher odds of experiencing a complication when compared to rTSA-Cement-Delayed (P = .005). Conversely, rTSA-Cement-Early cohort followed by rTSA-Pressfit-Early resulted in a total complication rate of 4.7% and 5.4% (odds ratios, 0.30; P = .01 & odds ratios, 0.42; P = .05), respectively. The total rate of scapular notching was higher in the cemented rTSA subgroups (16.5%) vs. (8.91%) in the press fit rTSA subgroups (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that patients ≥65 years of age, who sustain a 3-or 4-part PHF achieve the most benefit in terms of ROM, postoperative functional outcomes, tuberosity union, and overall complication rate when undergoing rTSA with a noncemented stem and early postoperative ROM when compared to the mainstream preference-rTSA-Cement-Delayed.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Review of Current Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to summarize information published in the recent peer-reviewed literature on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humerus fractures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there is still some debate regarding which may be the best treatment for proximal humerus fractures in certain age ranges, RSA seems to offer more predictable results than other surgical treatments for elderly patients. Successful tuberosity healing seems to correlate with better outcomes. Recent trends indicate interest in cementless fixation, fracture-specific stems and a 135-degree polyethylene opening angle. RSA provides a successful surgical solution for selected proximal humerus fractures. Indications, design features, and surgical execution have continued to evolve over the last few years.

The fragility of statistical findings in the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty literature: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has seen increasing utilization as an effective intervention for a wide variety of shoulder pathologies. The scope and indications for growth are often driven by findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) guiding surgical decision-making for RTSA. In this study, we utilized the fragility index (FI), reverse fragility index (rFI), and fragility quotient (FQ) to assess the robustness of outcomes reported in RCTs in the RTSA literature.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were queried for RCTs (Jan. 1, 2010-Mar. 31, 2023) in the RTSA literature reporting dichotomous outcomes. The FI and rFI were defined as the number of outcome reversals required to alter statistical significance for significant and nonsignificant outcomes, respectively. The FQ was determined by dividing the FI by the sample size of each study. Subgroup analysis was performed based on outcome category.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six RCTs were screened with 18 studies included. The median FI across 59 total outcomes was 4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-5) with an associated FQ of 0.051 (IQR: 0.029-0.065). Thirteen outcomes were statistically significant with a median FI of 3 (IQR: 1-4) and FQ of 0.033 (IQR: 0.012-0.066). Forty-six outcomes were nonsignificant with a median rFI of 4 (IQR: 3-5) and FQ of 0.055 (IQR: 0.032-0.065). The most fragile outcome category was revision/reoperations with a median FI of 2.50 (IQR: 1.00-3.25), followed by clinical score/outcome (median FI: 3.00), complications (median FI: 4.00), "other" (median FI: 4.00), and radiographic findings (median FI: 5.00). Notably, the number of patients lost to follow-up was greater than or equal to the FI for 59% of outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The statistical findings in RTSA RCTs are fragile and should be interpreted with caution. Reversal of only a few outcomes, or maintaining postoperative follow-up, may be sufficient to alter significance of study findings. We recommend standardized reporting of P values with FI and FQ metrics to allow clinicians to effectively assess the robustness of study findings.

Poor midterm clinical outcomes and a high percentage of unsatisfying results are reported after seizure-related shoulder injuries, especially after posterior proximal humerus fracture-dislocations

BACKGROUND

Treating seizure-related shoulder injuries is challenging, and an evidence-based consensus to guide clinicians is lacking. The aim of this prospective single-center observational clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical results of a cohort of patients undergoing treatment of seizure-related shoulder injuries, to categorize them according to the lesion's characteristics, with special focus on patients with proximal humerus fracture-dislocations (PHFDs), and to define groups at risk of obtaining unsatisfactory results. We hypothesized that patients with a PHFD, considered the worst-case scenario among these injuries, would report worse clinical results in terms of the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (qDASH) as compared to the other patients.

METHODS

Patients referred to a tertiary epilepsy center who have seizure-related shoulder injuries and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. A quality-of-life assessment instrument (EQ-5D-5L), a district-specific patient-reported outcome measure (qDASH), and a pain assessment tool (visual analog scale [VAS]) were used for the clinical outcome evaluation. Subjective satisfaction and fear of new shoulder injuries was also documented. Categorization and subgroup analysis according to the presence and features of selected specific lesions were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients were deemed eligible and 83 were available for follow-up (median age 38 years, 30% females), accounting for a total of 107 injured shoulders. After a median follow-up of 3.9 (1.6-8.2) years, overall moderate clinical results were reported. In addition, 34.1% of the patients reported a VAS score ≥35 mm, indicating moderate to severe pain, and 34.1% a qDASH score ≥40 points, indicating severe disability of an upper limb. These percentages rose to, respectively, 45.5% and 48.5% in the subgroup of patients with PHFDs and to 68.8% and 68.8% in patients experiencing posterior PHFD. Overall, 46.9% of the patients considered themselves unsatisfied with the treatment and 62.5% reported a persistent fear of a new shoulder injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with seizure-related shoulder injuries reported only moderate clinical results at their midterm follow-up. Older age, male sex, and absence or discontinuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment were identified as characterizing features of patients with posterior dislocation episodes. In patients with PHFD, a tendency to worse clinical results was observed, with posterior PHFD patients emerging as a definite subgroup at risk of reporting unsatisfying results after treatment.

A network meta-analysis of multiple modalities for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in older adults

OBJECTIVE

Four principal treatment modalities are applied to treat complex proximal humeral fractures in older adults: conservative treatment, open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. However, among these, the optimal treatment modality has yet to be determined. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was carried out to compare treatment modalities and assess their effectiveness.

METHODS

The databases PUBMED, EM-BASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched for randomised controlled trials on complex proximal humeral fractures in older people, ranging from inception of each database to May 2023.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 14 randomised controlled trials, containing 791 patients aged over 60 years who were treated for complex proximal humeral fractures. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty yielded the highest Constant shoulder scores, whilst conservative treatment performed poorly. Hemiarthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation yielded the best performances on the visual analogue pain scale, whilst conservative treatment performed poorly. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation allowed for maximum forward flexion and outreach of range of motion, whilst hemiarthroplasty allowed for the least. Open reduction internal fixation and reverse shoulder arthroplasty allowed for maximum internal rotation of the range of motion, whilst conservative treatment allowed for the least. Hemiarthroplasty and conservative treatment allowed for maximum external rotation of the range of motion, whilst open reduction internal fixation allowed for the least.

CONCLUSION

Compared with open reduction internal fixation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty yields better Constant shoulder scores and allows for greater forward flexion and outreach of range of motion of the shoulder joint in complex proximal humerus fractures in older patients. Meanwhile, hemiarthroplasty yields the best visual analogue scale scores and allows for maximum external rotation of the range of motion. However, open reduction with internal fixation remains the preferred clinical treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures in older patients.

Quality of Life and Pain after Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The proximal humeral fracture (PHF) is one of the most common fractures in elderly patients. A PHF might influence the quality of life (QoL) on several different levels, especially in elderly patients, but it is unclear which treatment option results in a better QoL outcome. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the current literature for studies that have analyzed the QoL and pain of elderly patients treated either surgically or non-operatively for PHF. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in the PubMed database from January to April 2023. Studies describing the QoL or the level of pain of patients older than 60 years with the EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) score or the visual analogue scale (VAS) after the treatment of PHF, either non-operatively (non-OP), with open-reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate (LPF), or with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) were included. Twelve studies were analyzed descriptively and the individual risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 and ROBINS-I tools. Results: A total of 12 studies with 712 patients at baseline were included (78% female sex, mean age 75.2 years). The reported VAS scores at 12-month follow-up (FU) ranged from 0.7 to 2.5. The calculated overall mean VAS score across all studies showed a decreasing tendency for all treatments, with an increasing FU time up to 12 months after PHF. None of the studies reported any significant differences of the EQ-5D across the groups. The overall calculated EQ-5D indices showed an increasing trend after 6-8 weeks FU, but did not differ significantly between the three treatments. Conclusions: In conclusion, the current literature suggests that there are no clinically important differences between the QoL or pain in elderly patients with PHF after non-operative treatment or surgical treatment with LPF or RTSA. However, the number of studies and level of evidence is rather low and further trials are urgently needed.

Impact of tobacco usage on readmission and complication rates following shoulder replacement surgery: A study of 164,527 patients

Background

Tobacco carcinogens have adverse effects on bone health and are associated with inferior outcomes following orthopedic procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact tobacco use has on readmission and complication rates following shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

The 2016-2018 National Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients who underwent anatomical, reverse, and hemi-shoulder arthroplasty. ICD-10 codes Z72.0 ×  (tobacco use disorder) and F17.2 ×  (nicotine dependence) were used to define "tobacco-users." Demographic, 30-/90-day readmission, surgical complication, and medical complication data were collected. Inferential statistics were used to analyze complications for both the cohort as a whole and for each procedure separately (i.e. anatomical, reverse, and hemiarthroplasty).

Results

164,527 patients were identified (92% nontobacco users). Tobacco users necessitated replacement seven years sooner than nonusers (p < 0.01) and were more likely to be male (52% vs. 43%; p < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that tobacco users had higher rates of readmission, revisions, shoulder complications, and medical complications overall. In the multivariate analysis for the entire cohort, readmission, revision, and complication rates did not differ based on tobacco usage; however, smokers who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty in particular were found to have higher 90-day readmission, dislocation, and prosthetic complication rates compared to nonsmokers.

Conclusion

Comparatively, tobacco users required surgical correction earlier in life and had higher rates of readmission, revision, and complications in the short term following their shoulder replacement. However, when controlling for tobacco usage as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, these aforementioned findings were lost for the cohort as a whole. Overall, these findings indicate that shoulder replacement in general is a viable treatment option regardless of patient tobacco usage at short-term follow-up, but this conclusion may vary depending on the replacement type used.

Short-Term Outcomes and Long-Term Implant Survival After Inpatient Surgical Management of Geriatric Proximal Humerus Fractures

Introduction

The most common surgical options for geriatric proximal humerus fractures are open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. We used a longitudinal inpatient discharge database to determine the cumulative incidence of conversion to arthroplasty after ORIF of geriatric proximal humerus fractures. The rates of short-term complications and all-cause reoperation were also compared.

Patients and Methods

All patients 65 or older who sustained a proximal humerus fracture and underwent either ORIF, HA, or shoulder arthroplasty (SA) as an inpatient from 2000 through 2017 were identified. Survival analysis was performed with ORIF conversion to arthroplasty and all-cause reoperation as the endpoints of interest. Rates of 30-day readmission and short-term complications were compared. Trends in procedure choice and outcomes over the study period were analyzed.

Results

A total of 27 102 geriatric patients that underwent inpatient surgical management of proximal humerus fractures were identified. Among geriatric patients undergoing ORIF, the cumulative incidence of conversion to arthroplasty within 10 years was 8.2%. The 10-year cumulative incidence of all-cause reoperation was 12.1% for ORIF patients and less than 4% for both HA and SA patients. Female sex was associated with increased risk of ORIF conversion and younger age was associated with higher all-cause reoperation. ORIF was associated with higher 30-day readmission and short-term complication rates. Over the study period, the proportion of patients treated with ORIF or SA increased while the proportion of patients treated with HA decreased. Short-term complication rates were similar between arthroplasty and ORIF patients in the later cohort (2015-2017).

Conclusion

The 10-year cumulative incidence of conversion to arthroplasty for geriatric patients undergoing proximal humerus ORIF as an inpatient was found to be 8.2%. All-cause reoperations, short-term complications, and 30-day readmissions were all significantly lower among patients undergoing arthroplasty, but the difference in complication rate between arthroplasty and ORIF was attenuated in more recent years. Younger age was a risk factor for reoperation and female sex was associated with increased risk of requiring conversion to arthroplasty after ORIF.

The statistical fragility of the management options for reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of randomized control trial with fragility analysis

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is used in the treatment of traumatic and arthritic pathologies, with expanding clinical indications and as a result there has been an increase in clinical research on the topic. The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical fragility of randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting outcomes from RSA. A systematic search was undertaken to find RCTs investigating RSA. The Fragility Index (FI) was calculated using Fisher's exact test, by sequentially altering the number of events until there was a reversal of significance. The Fragility Quotient (FQ) was calculated by dividing the FI by the trial population. Each trial was assigned an overall FI and FQ calculated as the median result of its reported findings. Overall, 19 RCTs warranted inclusion in the review, representing 1146 patients, of which 41.2% were male, with a mean age of 74.2 ± 4.3 years and mean follow-up of 22.1 ± 9.9 months. The median RCT population was 59, with a median of 9 patients lost to follow-up. The median FI was 4.5, and median FQ was 0.083, indicating more patients did not complete the trial than the number of outcomes which would have to change to reverse the finding of significance. This review found that the RCT evidence for RSA management may be vulnerable to statistical fragility, with a handful of events required to reverse a finding of significance.

Optimal Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly: Risks and Management Challenges

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are a common type of fracture, particularly in older adults, accounting for approximately 5-6% of all fractures. This article provides a comprehensive review of PHFs, focusing on epidemiology, injury mechanism, clinical and radiographic assessment, classification systems, and treatment options. The incidence of PHFs varies across regions, with rates ranging from 45.7 to 60.1 per 100,000 person-years. Females are more susceptible to PHFs than males, and the incidence is highest in women over the age of 85. The injury mechanism of PHFs is typically bimodal, with high-energy injuries predominant in younger individuals and low-energy injuries in the elderly. Clinical assessment of PHFs involves obtaining a thorough history, physical examination, and evaluation of associated injuries, particularly neurovascular injuries. Radiographic imaging helps assess fracture displacement and plan for treatment. The Neer classification system is the most commonly used classification for PHFs, although other systems, such as AO/OTA, Codman-Hertel, and Resch classifications, also exist. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as patient age, activity level, fracture pattern, and surgeon expertise. Nonoperative management is typically preferred for elderly patients with minimal displacement, while operative fixation is considered for more complex fractures. Nonoperative treatment involves sling immobilization followed by physiotherapy, with good outcomes reported for certain fracture patterns. Operative management options include closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or arthroplasty. CRPP is suitable for specific fracture patterns, but the quality of reduction is crucial for favorable outcomes. ORIF is used when CRPP is not feasible, and various surgical approaches are available, each with its advantages and potential complications. PHFs are a significant clinical challenge due to their prevalence and complexity. Treatment decisions should be patient centered based on patient factors and fracture severity.

Update on Shoulder Arthroplasties with Emphasis on Imaging

Shoulder pain and dysfunction may significantly impact quality of life. If conservative measures fail, advanced disease is frequently treated with shoulder arthroplasty, which is currently the third most common joint replacement surgery following the hip and knee. The main indications for shoulder arthroplasty include primary osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, osteonecrosis, proximal humeral fracture sequelae, severely dislocated proximal humeral fractures, and advanced rotator cuff disease. Several types of anatomic arthroplasties are available, such as humeral head resurfacing and hemiarthroplasties, as well as total anatomic arthroplasties. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasties, which reverse the normal ball-and-socket geometry of the shoulder, are also available. Each of these arthroplasty types has specific indications and unique complications in addition to general hardware-related or surgery-related complications. Imaging-including radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and, occasionally, nuclear medicine imaging-has a key role in the initial pre-operative evaluation for shoulder arthroplasty, as well as in post-surgical follow-up. This review paper aims to discuss important pre-operative imaging considerations, including rotator cuff evaluation, glenoid morphology, and glenoid version, as well as to review post-operative imaging of the various types of shoulder arthroplasties, to include normal post-operative appearances as well as imaging findings of complications.

Management of Proximal Humeral Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Differences in function, pain, and reoperation rates were compared between the following treatment options: (1) operative vs. nonoperative treatment and (2) various surgical treatments including open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nail, hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched through February 1, 2022. All English-language randomized trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of proximal humeral fractures with a control group in patients 18 years or older were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Demographic data, functional and pain scores and re-operation rates were extracted. Study quality was determined with the Cochran risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Heterogeneity was determined with the I-squared statistic.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Meta-analysis of included studies using mean difference and odds ratios where appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment with either locked plates or HA results in similar functional scores and pain outcomes as nonoperative treatment, although plates were associated with higher reoperation rates in 3-part and 4-part fractures. In 3-part and 4-part fractures, RSA results in higher function and pain scores compared with HA. Further high-quality trials should focus on RSA, and further study is required to better define the role of open reduction internal fixation in the younger patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Evolution of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and Its Current Use in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Older Population

Proximal humerus fracture (PHF) is a common injury in the older population. While the majority of these fractures are treated non-operatively, a small subset of patients may benefit from surgical treatment. However, there continues to be an ongoing debate regarding the indications and ideal surgical treatment strategy. The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the treatment of PHFs in the older population. Unique biomechanical principles and design features of RTSA make it a suitable treatment option for PHFs in the older population. RTSA has distinct advantages over hemiarthroplasty and internal fixation and provides good pain relief and a reliable and reproducible improvement in functional outcomes. As a result, there has been an exponential increase in the volume of RTSA in the older population in last decade. The aim of this paper is to review the current concepts, outcomes and controversies regarding the use of RTSA for the treatment of PHFs in the older population.

Different treatments for 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly patients: A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture in the body, and their incidence is rising year by year as the population ages. However, the treatment of the proximal humerus in parts 3 and 4 is still debatable, necessitating a network meta-analysis to determine the best treatment for each treatment modality.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials on proximal humeral fractures up to June 21, 2022. We performed data extraction and literature quality assessment by two independent authors and extracted constant score and reoperation rate as indicators for evaluation. Stata software, Revman software, JAGS software and the R-based BlandAltmanLeh package, gemtc package and riags package were used to perform this Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results

Following screening, 11 papers with a total of 648 participants were included in the analysis. The SUCRA values for the constant score were in the following order: RSA, IMN, Conservative, HA, and LP, and the SUCRA values for the reoperation rate were LP, HA, IMN, Conservative, and RSA.

Conclusion

The elderly with 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures should consider RSA because it received the best evaluation ranking in terms of constant score and reoperation rate.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022341209, identifier: CRD42022341209.

Interventions for treating proximal humeral fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the proximal humerus, often termed shoulder fractures, are common injuries, especially in older people. The management of these fractures varies widely, including in the use of surgery. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of treatment and rehabilitation interventions for proximal humeral fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, trial registries, and bibliographies of trial reports and systematic reviews to September 2020. We updated this search in November 2021, but have not yet incorporated these results.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared non-pharmacological interventions for treating acute proximal humeral fractures in adults.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Pairs of review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We pooled data where appropriate and used GRADE for assessing the certainty of evidence for each outcome. We prepared a brief economic commentary for one comparison.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 47 trials (3179 participants, mostly women and mainly aged 60 years or over) that tested one of 26 comparisons. Six comparisons were tested by 2 to 10 trials, the others by small single-centre trials only. Twelve studies evaluated non-surgical treatments, 10 compared surgical with non-surgical treatments, 23 compared two methods of surgery, and two tested timing of mobilisation after surgery. Most trials were at high risk of bias, due mainly to lack of blinding. We summarise the findings for four key comparisons below. Early (usually one week post injury) versus delayed (after three or more weeks) mobilisation for non-surgically-treated fractures Five trials (350 participants) made this comparison; however, the available data are very limited. Due to very low-certainty evidence from single trials, we are uncertain of the findings of better shoulder function at one year in the early mobilisation group, or the findings of little or no between-group difference in function at 3 or 24 months. Likewise, there is very low-certainty evidence of no important between-group difference in quality of life at one year. There was one reported death and five serious shoulder complications (1.9% of 259 participants), spread between the two groups, that would have required substantive treatment. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment Ten trials (717 participants) evaluated surgical intervention for displaced fractures (66% were three- or four-part fractures). There is high-certainty evidence of no clinically important difference between surgical and non-surgical treatment in patient-reported shoulder function at one year (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07 to 0.27; 7 studies, 552 participants) and two years (SMD 0.06, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.25; 5 studies, 423 participants). There is moderate-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in patient-reported shoulder function at six months (SMD 0.17, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.38; 3 studies, 347 participants). There is high-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in quality of life at one year (EQ-5D (0: dead to 1: best quality): mean difference (MD) 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; 6 studies, 502 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of little between-group difference in mortality: one of the 31 deaths was explicitly linked with surgery (risk ratio (RR) 1.35, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.62; 8 studies, 646 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of a higher risk of additional surgery in the surgery group (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.51; 9 studies, 667 participants). Based on an illustrative risk of 35 subsequent operations per 1000 non-surgically-treated patients, this indicates an extra 38 subsequent operations per 1000 surgically-treated patients (95% CI 8 to 94 more). Although there was low-certainty evidence of a higher overall risk of adverse events after surgery, the 95% CI also includes a slightly increased risk of adverse events after non-surgical treatment (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.31; 3 studies, 391 participants). Open reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate versus a locking intramedullary nail Four trials (270 participants) evaluated surgical intervention for displaced fractures (63% were two-part fractures). There is low-certainty evidence of no clinically important between-group difference in shoulder function at one year (SMD 0.15, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.41; 4 studies, 227 participants), six months (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (0 to 100: worst disability): MD -0.39, 95% CI -4.14 to 3.36; 3 studies, 174 participants), or two years (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) (0 to 100: best outcome): MD 3.06, 95% CI -0.05 to 6.17; 2 studies, 101 participants). There is very low-certainty evidence of no between-group difference in quality of life (1 study), and of little difference in adverse events (4 studies, 250 participants) and additional surgery (3 studies, 193 participants). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) versus hemiarthroplasty There is very low-certainty evidence from two trials (161 participants with either three- or four-part fractures) of no or minimal between-group differences in self-reported shoulder function at one year (1 study) or at two to three years' follow-up (2 studies); or in quality of life at one year or at two or more years' follow-up (1 study). Function at six months was not reported. Of 10 deaths reported by one trial (99 participants), one appeared to be surgery-related. There is very low-certainty evidence of a lower risk of complications after RTSA (2 studies). Ten people (6.2% of 161 participants) had a reoperation; all eight cases in the hemiarthroplasty group received a RTSA (very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is high- or moderate-certainty evidence that, compared with non-surgical treatment, surgery does not result in a better outcome at one and two years after injury for people with displaced proximal humeral fractures. It may increase the need for subsequent surgery. The evidence is absent or insufficient for people aged under 60 years, high-energy trauma, two-part tuberosity fractures or less common fractures, such as fracture dislocations and articular surface fractures. There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to inform the choices between different non-surgical, surgical or rehabilitation interventions for these fractures.

Factors influencing surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: do shoulder and trauma surgeons differ?

BACKGROUND

Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), or nonoperatively. Given the mixed results in the literature, the optimal treatment is unclear to surgeons. The purpose of this study was to survey orthopedic shoulder and trauma surgeons to identify the patient- and fracture-related characteristics that influence surgical decision-making.

METHODS

We distributed a 23-question closed-response email survey to members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Questions posed to respondents included demographics, surgical planning, indications for ORIF and arthroplasty, and the use of surgical augmentation with ORIF. Numerical and multiple-choice responses were compared between shoulder and trauma surgeons using unpaired t-tests and χ² tests, respectively.

RESULTS

Respondents included 172 shoulder and 78 trauma surgeons. When surgery is indicated, most shoulder and trauma surgeons treat 2-part (69%) and 3-part (53%) PHFs with ORIF. Indications for managing PHFs with arthroplasty instead of ORIF include an intra-articular fracture (82%), bone quality (76%), age (72%), and previous rotator cuff dysfunction (70%). In patients older than 50 years, 90% of respondents cited a head-split fracture as an indication for arthroplasty. Both shoulder and trauma surgeons preferred RSA for treating PHFs presenting with a head-split fracture in an elderly patient (94%), pre-existing rotator cuff tear (84%), and pre-existing glenohumeral arthritis with an intact cuff (75%). Similarly, both groups preferred ORIF for PHFs in young patients with a fracture dislocation (94%). In contrast, although most trauma surgeons preferred to manage PHFs in low functioning patients with a significantly displaced fracture or nonreconstructable injury nonoperatively (84% and 86%, respectively), shoulder surgeons preferred either RSA (44% and 46%, respectively) or nonoperative treatment (54% and 49%, respectively) (P < .001). Similarly, although trauma surgeons preferred to manage PHFs in young patients with a head-split fracture or limited humeral head subchondral bone with ORIF (98% and 87%, respectively), shoulder surgeons preferred either ORIF (54% and 62%, respectively) or HA (43% and 34%, respectively) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

ORIF and HA are preferred for treating simple PHFs in young patients with good bone quality or fracture dislocations, whereas RSA and nonoperative management are preferred for complex fractures in elderly patients with poor bone quality, rotator cuff dysfunction, or osteoarthritis. The preferred management differed between shoulder and trauma surgeons for half of the common PHF presentations, highlighting the need for future research.

Operative Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures with Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients ≥65 Years Old: A Critical Analysis Review

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The majority of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) in patients who are ≥65 years of age are treated nonoperatively, but certain complex fracture patterns benefit from surgical intervention. However, there continues to be debate regarding the indications for surgery and the optimal surgical treatment (repair versus replacement) in this population.

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Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has grown in popularity for surgical treatment of fracture-dislocations and displaced complex PHFs in patients who are ≥65 years of age; it has definite advantages over surgical repair and hemiarthroplasty, but this finding requires additional higher-quality evidence.

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RTSA provides early pain relief and return of shoulder function as well as predictable elevation above shoulder level in the forward plane, but the indications for and understanding of the effect of timing on RTSA after a PHF continue to evolve.

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RTSA for an acute PHF is indicated in patients who are ≥65 years of age with 3- and 4-part fracture-dislocations, head-split fractures, and severely displaced fractures, and is an option in patients who are not able to tolerate nonoperative treatment of severely displaced 3- and 4-part fractures.

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RTSA is also indicated as a salvage operation for PHFs that have failed initial surgical repair (i.e., fixation failure, implant failure, rotator cuff failure, or osteonecrosis) and is an option for symptomatic nonunion or malunion after nonoperative treatment.

Cemented vs. uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare functional outcomes, complications, and revision rates between cemented and uncemented reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in April 2021 within PubMed, Scopus Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical studies reporting outcomes of RSA performed for PHF. Included studies were published in English, had a minimum 1-year follow-up, specified whether the humeral stem was cemented (cRSA) or uncemented (ucRSA), and were evidence level I-IV. Data including range of motion (ROM), functional status, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, tuberosity healing, complications, and reoperations were extracted. DerSimonian-Laird random effects models with subgroup stratification analyses were applied to investigate differences in outcomes between patients with cRSA and ucRSA.

RESULTS

A total of 45 studies comprising 1623 patients were included. The overall pooled age was 75.9 ± 3.4 years. At a mean follow-up of 34.6 (range, 12-108) months, there were no significant differences in ROM, VAS score, Constant-Murley score, rate of tuberosity healing, or reoperation rates between the cRSA and ucRSA cohorts. The mean postoperative ASES score in the cRSA cohort (73.9, 95% CI 71.4-76.5) was significantly lower than the ucRSA cohort (82.9, 95% CI 75.9-90.0, P = .013). The incidence of postoperative all-cause complications was significantly lower in the cRSA cohort (5.5%, 95% CI 4.0%-6.9%) compared with the ucRSA cohort (9.7%, 95% CI 4.5%-14.9%, P = .044).

CONCLUSION

The use of uncemented humeral stems in RSA for PHF confers similar functional results to the use of cemented stems in terms of pain, range of motion, functional scores, and tuberosity healing. Although the rate of complications was significantly higher in the uncemented cohort compared with the cemented cohort (9.7% vs. 5.5%, respectively), the rate of reoperations was similar between the groups (1.6% vs. 1.9%, respectively). The uncemented reverse prosthesis seems to be a valid alternative for the management of patients with complex proximal humerus fractures.