Clinical and radiological evaluation of minimally displaced proximal humeral fractures.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the Constant score and radiographic outcome in 66 patients (mean age 58.7 years/mean follow-up 51 months) with a minimally displaced and/or impacted fracture of the proximal humerus treated with early mobilization.


METHODS
Special attention was paid to analyze the specific intrinsic parameters (age, gender, ASA grade and length of physiotherapy), injury-related parameters (classification, osteoporosis) and therapy-related parameters (initial fracture displacement, residual bony-deformity after healing, secondary fracture displacement during healing period, non-union, humeral head necrosis and omarthrosis) that may influence the final score.


METHODS
There were 31 A (47%), 22 B (33%) and 13 C-fractures (19%). The median Constant score for the fractured shoulder was 89 points.


RESULTS
All fractures healed without non-union. The radiological assessment showed in 80% a fracture-displacement with <15 degrees angulation and/or <5-mm displacement of the greater tuberosity. At time of follow-up, the residual bony-deformity was perfect and good in 88% of cases. There was a significant association between the final Constant score and the age, ASA classification, AO (ABC) classification and initial fracture displacement.


CONCLUSIONS
Early physiotherapy, with a short period of immobilization is a sufficient therapy for management of minimally displaced and/or impacted fractures of the proximal humerus.
Bahrs
Christian
C
Clinic for Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 95, 72076 Tubingen, Germany. C.Bahrs@gmx.de
Rolauffs
Bernd
B
Dietz
Klaus
K
Eingartner
Christoph
C
Weise
Kuno
K
D000367:Age Factors; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012737:Sex Factors; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy