Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the MTM-classification for proximal humeral fractures: a prospective study

A high-profile thread with grit-blasted and acid-etched surface reduces loosening of medial column fusion bolt in instable Charcot foot

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary fusion bolts (FB) were introduced to stabilize the medial column of the instable Charcot foot (ICF), but complications as bolt loosening or breakage are frequent. We compared the use of a standard FB and a high-profile threaded FB with a grit-blasted surface. We hypothesized that implant related complications occurred less often and osseous consolidation of fusion sites was more distinctive using the latter type of FB.

METHODS

Consecutive patients suffering from an ICF were stabilized with a high-profile threaded and surface-modified FB (HTFB) (n=20) or with a standard FB (n=20) which was placed into the first ray. Additional bolts and dorsal low-profile plates were applied in every patient. In a retrospective assessment osseous consolidation of the fusion sites was analyzed at 3 month and quantified by CT scan. At 3 and 12 month longitudinal foot arch collapse and rate of bolt loosening were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the HTFB group reached significant higher consolidation after 3 month. No dislocation and a single bolt breakage was observed in the HTFB group after the fourth month, while the control group included 3 patients with bolt dislocation at 3±1 month and 5 patients with bolt breakage at 6±1.8 month. Compared to preoperative values, the improvement of Meary's angle after one-year was significant higher in the HTFB group (23.4°±14) than in controls (11.7°±13).

CONCLUSIONS

Modification of bolt design improves the stability of the medial column: A higher rate of osseous consolidation of the medial column leads to lower rate of bolt dislocation/breakage and finally to permanently erected longitudinal foot arch. Initially disappointing results following medial column stabilization with fusion bolts can be rejected by modifications of bolt design and its technical application.

The reliability and reproducibility of the Hertel classification for comminuted proximal humeral fractures compared with the Neer classification

INTRODUCTION

The Neer classification is the most commonly used fracture classification system for proximal humeral fractures. Inter- and intra-observer agreement is limited, especially for comminuted fractures. A possibly more straightforward and reliable classification system is the Hertel classification. The aim of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-observer variability of the Hertel with the Neer classification in comminuted proximal humeral fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four observers evaluated blinded radiographic images (X-rays, CT-scans, and CT-scans with 3D-reconstructions) of 60 patients. After at least two months classification was repeated.

RESULTS

Inter-observer agreement on plain X-rays was fair for both Hertel (κ = 0.39; 95% CI 0.23-0.62) and Neer (κ = 0.29; 0.09-0.42). Inter-observer agreement on CT-scans was substantial (κ = 0.63; 0.56-0.72) for Hertel and moderate for Neer (κ = 0.51; 0.29-0.68). Inter-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions was moderate for both Hertel (κ = 0.60; 0.53-0.72) and Neer (κ = 0.51; 0.39-0.58). Intra-observer agreement on plain X-rays was fair for both Hertel (κ = 0.38; 0.27-0.59) and Neer (κ = 0.40; 0.15-0.52). Intra-observer agreement on CT-scans was moderate for both Hertel (κ = 0.50; 0.38-0.66) and Neer (κ = 0.42; 0.35-0.52). Intra-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions was moderate for Hertel (κ = 0.55; 0.45-0.64) and substantial for Neer (κ = 0.63; 0.48-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

The Hertel and Neer classifications showed a fair to substantial inter- and intra-observer agreement on the three diagnostic modalities used. Although inter-observer agreement was highest for Hertel classification on CT-scans, Neer classification had the highest intra-observer agreement on 3D-reconstructions. Data of this study do not confirm superiority of either classification system for the classification of comminuted proximal humeral fractures.

Classification and Outcome of Fracture-Dislocation of the Cuneiform Bones

Fractures and dislocations of the cuneiform bones are rare injuries to the midtarsal foot. The injury severity is often unclear, and the prognostic factors are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to characterize our insights of the diagnostics, therapy, and fracture patterns. We questioned whether the number of involved cuneiform bones and the type of injury would affect the clinical outcome. With this information, we aimed to develop a classification system for injuries of the cuneonavicular joint. Five patients who had sustained complex fracture-dislocation of the cuneiform bones were prospectively registered, underwent surgery, and were followed. We reviewed the published data and found 47 reports that included 55 patients to improve the informative value of our study. The injury mechanisms and therapy were evaluated, and the postoperative limitations and pain were assessed. The clinical outcome was correlated with the number of involved cuneiforms and the fracture/dislocation pattern. Direct trauma was associated with isolated fracture, and indirect injury was associated with isolated dislocations. Occasionally, these injuries were overlooked on conventional radiographs, and closed reduction frequently failed. The number of cuneiform bones involved and the type of injury were shown to affect the clinical outcome. We devised an easily applicable classification system for injuries to the cuneiform bones using this information. All cases were classified as isolated fractures (1), isolated dislocations (2), or fracture-dislocations (3) involving 1 (A), 2 (B), or 3 (C) cuneiform bones. The classification system we propose will facilitate a better understanding of the fracture patterns at the cuneonavicular joint line and is a good prognostic tool that requires validation in clinical settings.

Radiographic classification for fractures of the fifth metatarsal base

OBJECTIVE

Avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base (MTB5) are common fore foot injuries. Based on a radiomorphometric analysis reflecting the risk for a secondary displacement, a new classification was developed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cohort of 95 healthy, sportive, and young patients (age ≤ 50 years) with avulsion fractures of the MTB5 was included in the study and divided into groups with non-displaced, primary-displaced, and secondary-displaced fractures. Radiomorphometric data obtained using standard oblique and dorso-plantar views were analyzed in association with secondary displacement. Based on this, a classification was developed and checked for reproducibility.

RESULTS

Fractures with a longer distance between the lateral edge of the styloid process and the lateral fracture step-off and fractures with a more medial joint entry of the fracture line at the MTB5 are at higher risk to displace secondarily. Based on these findings, all fractures were divided into three types: type I with a fracture entry in the lateral third; type II in the middle third; and type III in the medial third of the MTB5. Additionally, the three types were subdivided into an A-type with a fracture displacement <2 mm and a B-type with a fracture displacement ≥ 2 mm. A substantial level of interobserver agreement was found in the assignment of all 95 fractures to the six fracture types (κ = 0.72). The secondary displacement of fractures was confirmed by all examiners in 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiomorphometric data may identify fractures at risk for secondary displacement of the MTB5. Based on this, a reliable classification was developed.

Complication rates and outcomes stratified by treatment modalities in proximal humeral fractures: a systematic literature review from 1970-2009

Background

The optimal treatment of complex, displaced proximal humeral fractures is controversial. A systematic literature review of the time period from 1970 to 2009 was conducted. The purpose was to evaluate the clinical success and complications of the available treatment modalities to determine specific treatment recommendations for the different fracture patterns.

Methods

The databases (PubMed/EMBASE) were searched for the time period (01/1970–09/2009). Study quality, treatment modalities, classification, outcome scores and complications of 200 publications including 9377 patients were analyzed. Interventions were compared by analysis of variance with subsequent Tukey’s-test. Complication rates among methods were compared by using Pearson’s-chi-square-test and pairwise comparisons using Fisher’s-two-tailed-exact-test.

Results

Hemiarthroplasty, angle-stable plate and non-operative treatment were used for 63% of the follow-up-patients. For 3- and 4-part fractures, patients with hemiarthroplasty [3-Part: 56.4 (lower/upper 95% confidence interval (CI): 43.3-68.7); 4-Part: 49.4 (CI: 42.2-56.7)] received a lower score than different surgical head-preserving methods such as ORIF [3-Part: 82.4 (CI: 76.6-86.9); 4-Part: 83.0 (CI:78.7-86.6)], intramedullary nailing [3-Part: 79.1 (CI:74.0-83.4)] or angle-stable plates [4-Part: 66.4 (CI: 59.7-72.4)].

The overall complication rate was 56%. The most common complications were fracture-displacement, malunion, humeral head necrosis and malreduction. The highest complication rates were documented for conventional plate and hemiarthroplasty and for AO-C, AO-A, for 3- and 4-part fractures. Only 25% of the data were reported with detailed classification results and the corresponding outcome scores.

Discussion

Despite the large amount of patients included, it is difficult to determine adequate recommendations for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures because a relevant lack of follow-up data impaired subsequent analysis. For displaced 3- and 4-part fractures head-preserving therapy received better outcome scores than hemiarthroplasty. However, a higher number of complications occurred in more complex fractures and when hemiarthroplasty or conventional plate osteosynthesis was performed. Thus, when informing the patient for consent, both the clinical results and the possibly expected complications with a chosen treatment modality should be addressed.

[Indication for primary fracture prosthesis of the shoulder]

Although fractures of the proximal humerus are one of the most common osteoporotic fracture types, no generally accepted treatment algorithm exists in the current literature. For young patients with high functional demands and good rehabilitation potential, we recommend humeral head salvage therapy. If symptomatic humeral head necrosis occurs, the implantation of an anatomic endoprothesis is possible on a secondary basis. For patients with a biological age > 70 years suffering from a persisting defect of the rotator cuff along with a humeral head fracture or from a multiple fragment fracture of the humeral head, we increasingly prefer implantation of a reverse shoulder prosthesis due to good clinical results. However, because of technical aspects and a high complication rate, treatment using the reverse fracture prosthesis should be reserved for surgeons with expertise in this particular field. After analyzing the fracture- and patient-specific risk factors and performance expectations, the trauma surgeon can select the best individual therapy with the patient.

A comprehensive classification of proximal humeral fractures: HGLS system

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of a binary classification system using an easy-to-remember acronym (the HGLS system--based on the reappraisal of Codman's description by Hertel et al) and compared it with the AO and Neer systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven proximal humeral fractures in 47 patients treated at the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, were identified in the period from July 2007 until January 2008. Fractures of the proximal humerus were examined with anteroposterior, lateral, and axillary radiographs. Three independent reviewers classified the fractures using the AO, Neer, and HGLS systems. Reclassification of the same fractures was undertaken after a 6-month interval, and interobserver and intraobserver correlation, by use of the κ statistic, was calculated for all 3 classification systems.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 64.5 years (range, 16-95 years). The interobserver correlations for the AO system (κ value, 0.47) and Neer system (κ value, 0.44) were graded as poor and were consistent with the values of previously published studies. The HGLS classification showed good interobserver agreement for all 3 examiners at the first interpretation (κ value, 0.73) and second interpretation (κ value, 0.61). Good intraobserver agreement after a 6-month period was also seen for the HGLS classification (κ values, 0.87-0.92) compared with the AO system (κ, 0.61-0.71) and Neer system (κ, 0.42-0.77).

CONCLUSION

The HGLS system provided a more reliable description of fractures of the proximal humerus compared with the Neer and AO systems. Further studies are necessary to assess the validity of the HGLS system.

The complexity of proximal humeral fractures is age and gender specific

BACKGROUND

Studies that investigated possible associations between the complexity of proximal humeral fractures and patient characteristics are rare. We hypothesized that the grade of fracture complexity may correlate with age and gender of hospitalized, adult patients.

METHODS

Based on the Neer classification, we defined four radiological grades of fracture complexity. The data of adult patients that were treated during a 9-year period at a German hospital serving a town of 80,000 inhabitants was reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and eighty fractures were evaluated [518 female/262 male (66.41/33.59 %), average age 64.2 years (range 17.4-99.2)]. During the study period, the number of fractures increased to 167 %. Almost two-thirds of the patients were females and older than 60 years. Of all fractures, 86 % were displaced fractures. In patients younger than 60 years, 1.99-fold more complex fractures occurred in males (32.4 %) than in females (16.2 %). In contrast, in patients older than 60 years, 1.72-fold more complex fractures occurred in females (54.1 %) than in males (31.5 %). There was a significant association between low-energy trauma and female gender older than 60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated an overall increase of displaced proximal fractures. The vast majority of patients with more complex fractures consisted of female patients older than 60 years.

AST classification of proximal humeral fractures: introduction and interobserver reliability assessment

BACKGROUND

This article introduces an alphanumeric AST (Articular, Surgical neck, Tuberosities) classification of proximal humeral fractures, based on the number, localization, and displacement of articular and extra-articular fragments. All possible cases of proximal humeral fractures can be assessed from a single figure using this classification. The aim of the study was thus to describe the AST classification and to assess interobserver reliability.

METHODS

This classification is based on a single figure, allowing an easy description of the anatomic variants of different proximal humeral fractures. The severity of the fracture is determined by the fragment displacement in angular degrees and the major linear displacement in millimeters. AST reproducibility was assessed and compared with Neer, AO, and Duparc classifications, commonly used in clinical practice. The interobserver agreement was measured with Cohen's kappa coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Thirteen independent observers analyzed a total of 64 X-rays. Overall kappa coefficients were 0.34, 0.29, 0.24, and 0.25 for AST, Neer, AO, and Duparc classifications, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The AST classification, which is easier to use because it is based on only one figure, is at least as reproducible as other proximal humeral fracture classifications.

The impact of stereo-visualisation of three-dimensional CT datasets on the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the AO/OTA and Neer classifications in the assessment of fractures of the proximal humerus

We evaluated the impact of stereo-visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering CT datasets on the inter- and intraobserver reliability assessed by kappa values on the AO/OTA and Neer classifications in the assessment of proximal humeral fractures. Four independent observers classified 40 fractures according to the AO/OTA and Neer classifications using plain radiographs, two-dimensional CT scans and with stereo-visualised three-dimensional volume-rendering reconstructions. Both classification systems showed moderate interobserver reliability with plain radiographs and two-dimensional CT scans. Three-dimensional volume-rendered CT scans improved the interobserver reliability of both systems to good. Intraobserver reliability was moderate for both classifications when assessed by plain radiographs. Stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume rendering improved intraobserver reliability to good for the AO/OTA method and to excellent for the Neer classification. These data support our opinion that stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering datasets is of value when analysing and classifying complex fractures of the proximal humerus.