title: Internal fixation versus nonoperative treatment of displaced 3-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to report the 2-year outcome after a displaced 3-part fracture of the proximal humerus in elderly patients randomized to treatment with a locking plate or nonoperative treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included 60 patients, mean age 74 years (range, 56-92), 81% being women. The main outcome measures were the Constant and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to the EQ-5D.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the final 2-year follow-up, the results for range of motion (ROM), function and HRQoL were all in favor of the locking plate group. The mean flexion in the locking plate group was 120° compared to 111° in the nonoperative group (P = .36) and the mean abduction was 114° compared to 106° (P = .28). The corresponding values for the Constant score were 61 versus 58 (P = .64), for DASH 26 versus 35 (P = .19), and the mean EQ-5D (index) score was 0.70 compared to 0.59 (P = .26). In spite of good primary reduction in 86% of the fractures in the locking plate group, 13% of the patients had a fracture complication requiring a major reoperation and 17% had a minor reoperation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study indicate an advantage in functional outcome and HRQoL in favor of the locking plate compared to nonoperative treatment in elderly patients with a displaced 3-part fracture of the proximal humerus, but at the cost of additional surgery in 30% of the patients.
authors: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Section of Orthopaedics, Stockholm Söder Hospital, Sweden. per.olerud@sodersjukhuset.se
authors: Per
authors: P
authors: Olerud
authors: Leif
authors: L
authors: Ahrengart
authors: Sari
authors: S
authors: Ponzer
authors: Jenny
authors: J
authors: Saving
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Tidermark
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome