Proximal humerus fractures: epidemiology and trends in surgical management of hospital-admitted patients in Portugal
Miguel Relvas‐Silva, Daniela Linhares, Maria João Leite, Bernardo Nunes, João Torres, Nuno Nevès, Manuel Ribeiro da Silva
Abstract
Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are frequent and associated with significant health care burden. National epidemiological data are limited. Our objective is to characterize the Portuguese population admitted with PHFs and analyze therapeutic management, the impact of associated lesions, and mortality rate. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of admissions from mainland public hospitals (2000-2015), with primary or secondary diagnosis of PHFs. Incomplete records, pathologic lesions, malunion/nonunion, and hardware removal were excluded. Age, gender, admission date, hospitalization period, associated injuries, treatment, and mortality were recorded. Results: < .001). A total of 14,482 patients were operated, most frequently with open reduction and internal fixation (28%). The inpatient mortality rate was 3.2%, significantly higher in patients with associated fractures (odds 2.77 for lower limb vs. upper limb). Conclusion: There is a trend toward an increase in surgical management of PHFs. The relative proportion of open reduction and internal fixation and arthroplasty (particularly reverse arthroplasty) increased, probably reflecting biomechanical implant properties, fracture pattern, and demand for better functionality. Associated fractures are an important comorbidity, associated with increased mortality and length of stay.