Increasing Rate of Shoulder Arthroplasty for Geriatric Proximal Humerus Fractures in the United States, 2010–2019

[Augmentation techniques for the treatment of osteoporosis-associated fractures of the extremities]

The current demographic development is leading to an increasing number of cases of osteoporosis-related fractures. Affected individuals are typically part of a vulnerable, predominantly geriatric patient group with limited physical resources. Additionally, the pathophysiological characteristics of osteoporotic bones with reduced bone quality and quantity, pose a significant challenge to the osteosynthesis techniques used. Achieving rapid postoperative mobilization and stable weight-bearing osteosynthesis to prevent postoperative medical complications are the main goals of the surgical management. In recent years augmentation techniques have gained in importance in the treatment of osteoporosis-related fractures by significantly enhancing the stability of osteosyntheses and reducing mechanical complication rates. The main options available are polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) augmentation and various bioresorbable bone substitute materials with different properties. Implant augmentations can be applied at various locations in the extremity bones and standardized procedures are now available, such as for the proximal humerus and femur. When used correctly, low complication rates and promising clinical outcomes are observed. This article aims to provide an overview of available techniques and applications based on the current literature. Guidelines and substantial scientific evidence are still limited.

MELD score predicts short-term outcomes after surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: a matched analysis

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the difference in 30-day outcomes after surgical management of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) between patients with and without chronic liver disease as defined by a MELD score greater than 10.

Design

This was a retrospective database review.

Setting

All centers participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were included.

Patients/Participants

Patients with proximal humerus fractures who (1) underwent ORIF, HA, or SA and (2) had calculable MELD scores were included.

Intervention

Open reduction and internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, or shoulder arthroplasty was used for treatment.

Main outcome measurements

Thirty-day complications, mortality, readmission, and reoperation rates were measured.

Results

Of the total 1732 PHF patients identified, 300 had a MELD score higher than 10. After propensity matching by significant covariates, MELD score higher than 10 was found to be significantly associated with higher rates of 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, transfusion within 72 hours, and systemic complications. Among patients with a MELD score higher than 10, treatment with SA or HA instead of ORIF was associated with a higher rate of transfusion and longer operative time. There were no significant differences between treatment cohorts regarding mortality, reoperation, readmission, or complications.

Conclusions

A MELD score higher than 10 is associated with higher risk of surgical complications, transfusion, and death in patients undergoing surgery for proximal humerus fractures. Among patients with a MELD score higher than 10, ORIF was associated with a lower transfusion rate and shorter operative time than arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic Level III.

Increased preoperative aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index predicts complications following total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

This study investigates the association between aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a noninvasive measure of liver function, and 30-day postoperative complications following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent TSA between 2015 and 2021. The study population was divided into 4 groups based on preoperative APRI: normal/reference (APRI ≤ 0.5), mild fibrosis (0.5 < APRI ≤ 0.7), significant fibrosis (0.7 < APRI ≤ 1), and cirrhosis (APRI > 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the connection between preoperative APRI and postoperative complications.

Results

Compared to the reference group, significant fibrosis was independently associated with a greater likelihood of major complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.99; P = .017), minor complications (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.67-4.37; P < .001), pneumonia (OR: 5.78, 95% CI: 2.58-12.95; P < .001), blood transfusions (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.57-5.32; P < .001), readmission (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.21; P = .022), and non-home discharge (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23-2.73; P = .003). Cirrhosis was independently associated with a greater likelihood of minor complications (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 2.67-5.88; P < .001), blood transfusions (OR: 5.85, 95% CI: 3.79-9.03; P < .001), failure to wean off a ventilator (OR: 9.10, 95% CI: 1.98-41.82; P = .005), and non-home discharge (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.43-2.96; P < .001).

Conclusion

Increasing preoperative APRI was associated with an increasing rate of postoperative complications following TSA.

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.