Promising Mid-Term Outcomes after Humeral Head Preserving Surgery of Posterior Fracture Dislocations of the Proximal Humerus.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after humeral head preserving surgical treatment of posterior fracture dislocations of the proximal humerus.

METHODS

Patients with a posterior fracture dislocation of the proximal humerus that were operatively treated in two level-1 trauma centers within a timeframe of 8 years were identified. With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, patients with humeral head preserving surgical treatment were invited for examination.

RESULTS

19/24 fractures (79.2%; mean age 43 years) were examined with a mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.1 years. Of these, 12 fractures were categorized as posteriorly dislocated impression type fractures, and 7 fractures as posteriorly dislocated surgical neck fractures. Most impression type fractures were treated by open reduction, allo- or autograft impaction and screw fixation ( = 11), while most surgical neck fractures were treated with locked plating ( = 6). Patients with impression type fractures showed significantly better ASES scores ( = 0.041), Simple Shoulder Test scores ( = 0.003), Rowe scores ( = 0.013) and WOSI scores ( = 0.023), when compared to posteriorly dislocated surgical neck fractures. Range of motion was good to excellent for both groups with no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

This mid-term follow-up study reports good to very good clinical results for humeral head preserving treatment.