Current trends in conservative treatment of fractures of the proximal humerus

Forty-nine fractures treated conservatively with 30 days of immobilization in a Desault bandage or a suspension cast (3 cases) are discussed. The diaphyseal index was used to check for correlation between the degree of osteoporosis and the extent and type of fracture. After an average follow-up of 6...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inItalian journal of orthopaedics and traumatology Vol. 17; no. 2; p. 179
Main Authors Calvisi, V, Morico, G, Nasi, M, Caruccio, P, Romanini, L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.06.1991
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Bandages
Casts, Surgical
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive
Osteoporosis - complications
Patient Satisfaction
Radiography
Shoulder Fractures - classification
Shoulder Fractures - diagnostic imaging
Shoulder Fractures - etiology
Shoulder Fractures - therapy
Treatment Outcome
Wound Healing
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Summary:Forty-nine fractures treated conservatively with 30 days of immobilization in a Desault bandage or a suspension cast (3 cases) are discussed. The diaphyseal index was used to check for correlation between the degree of osteoporosis and the extent and type of fracture. After an average follow-up of 6.7 months, 67% of the 36 patients reviewed had a satisfactory clinical and radiographic result and adequate healing, even those with a high degree of osteoporosis. There was no significant correlation between the type of fracture (location and degree of displacement) and the severity of bone resorption. We would emphasize that 33% of the unsatisfactory results were mostly due to the radiographic findings which, scored using the Neer system, were rated unsatisfactory even though the corresponding results were satisfactory as far as the clinical symptoms and signs. In our opinion, proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients should be treated conservatively, especially in cases of slight or moderate displacement.
ISSN:0390-5489