Proximal humerus fracture dislocations: outcomes of management

Proximal humerus fracture dislocations are amongst the most severe proximal humerus injuries, presenting a challenging management problem. The aim of this study was to report on long-term outcomes of management of proximal humerus fracture dislocations.

Patients with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation managed at a Level 1 trauma centre from January 2010 to December 2018 were included. Patients with isolated tuberosity fracture dislocations or pathological fractures were excluded. Outcome measures were the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), EQ-5D-5L, return to work and radiological outcomes. Complications recorded included further surgery, loss of position/fixation, non-union/malunion and avascular necrosis.

Sixty-nine patients were included with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation in the study period; 48 underwent surgical management and 21 were managed successfully with closed reduction alone. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 59.7 (±20.4), and 54% were male. Overall patients reported a mean OSS of 39.8 (±10.3), a mean EQ-5D utility score of 0.73 (±0.20), and 78% were able to return to work at a median of 1.2 months. There was a high prevalence of complications in both patients managed operatively or with closed reduction (25% and 38% respectively). In patients undergoing surgical management, 21% required subsequent surgery.

Patient reported outcome measures post proximal humerus fracture dislocations do not return to normal population levels. Further, these injuries are associated with a high prevalence of complications. Appropriate patient counselling should be undertaken before embarking on definitive management.