Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
04:41

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner

Published on: June 6, 2025

709

The incidence and treatment trends of pediatric proximal humerus fractures

Juuli Hannonen1, Hanna Hyvönen2, Linda Korhonen2

  • 1Department of Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre Oulu and PEDEGO Research Group, Oulu University, PoB 23, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland. juuli.hannonen@student.oulu.fi.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|November 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Childhood proximal humerus fractures remained stable in incidence but saw an increase in surgical fixation over a decade. Higher age and bayonet displacement were linked to operative treatment for these pediatric fractures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Traumatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Proximal humerus fractures represent about 2% of all pediatric fractures.
  • While upper extremity fractures are increasing in children, trends for proximal humerus fractures remain unanalyzed.
  • This study addresses the need to understand recent incidence and treatment patterns of proximal humerus fractures in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence trends of proximal humerus fractures in children.
  • To analyze the treatment modalities, both operative and nonoperative, for these fractures over time.
  • To identify factors associated with the choice of surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 300 children under 16 with proximal humerus fractures treated at Oulu University Hospital, Finland (2005-2015).
  • Radiographs were reviewed, and patient data, injury characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed.
  • Annual incidence was calculated based on the child population at risk within the study period.

Main Results:

  • The mean annual incidence was 31.4 per 100,000 children, with no significant trend over the study period.
  • Nonoperative treatment was predominant (92%), but operative fixation increased from 0% to 16% (P=0.045).
  • Bayonet displacement (OR 16-fold) and higher age were significant predictors for surgical fixation.

Conclusions:

  • Unlike other pediatric upper extremity fractures, proximal humerus fractures did not show an increasing incidence.
  • There was a notable rise in operative fixation for these fractures, though the underlying reasons require further investigation.
  • The study highlights evolving treatment strategies for pediatric proximal humerus fractures, influenced by displacement and patient age.
Abstract

Keywords:
IncidenceProximal humerus fracturesTreatment trends

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device04:19

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device

Published on: November 8, 2024

1.0K
A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies06:53

A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies

Published on: July 4, 2017

11.5K

Related Concept Videos

Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
4.8K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
6.7K
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
3.3K