Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Hemiarthroplasty in Proximal Humerus Complex Fractures

Abstract

This study compares open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA) in the management of complex proximal humerus fractures. Neer three- and four-part fracture-dislocations, surgical neck fracture-dislocations with severe articular impaction, and any head-split fracture treated surgically at our institution were studied retrospectively. Constant–Murley scores, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were obtained and compared between ORIF versus HA treatment. Thirty patients were included in the analysis: 15 treated with ORIF were compared to 15 treated with HA with an average follow-up of 60 months. The mean Constant score (72 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 19; P = 0.005), DASH score (13 ± 17 vs. 29 ± 18; P = 0.006), ASES score (87 ± 13 vs. 66 ± 22; P = 0.003), and SF-36 physical composite score (PCS) (50 ± 11 vs. 40 ± 11; P = 0.02) all favored the ORIF group. Because of the potential confounding variable posed by including younger patients, we performed a subgroup analysis of patients older than 50 years. In this group, the Constant, DASH, ASES, and PCS scores remained significantly better in the ORIF group. Results of this retrospective study show improved patient-reported outcomes and quality of life scores in patients undergoing ORIF for complex proximal humerus fractures as compared to patients undergoing HA, despite a higher revision rate in the ORIF cohort. When considering patients older than 50 years, outcomes after ORIF were better than HA.