Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Centenarians with proximal humeral fracture
Jeanette Koeppe1,2, Julia Sußiek3, J Christoph Katthagen4,3
1Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Schmeddingstrasse 56, Muenster, 48149, Germany. jeanette.koeppe@ukmuenster.de.
Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) in centenarians are common in females and often treated non-operatively. Mortality is high, with nearly 60% dying within one year post-fracture.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Germany's aging population increases the number of centenarians.
- Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) in this age group are understudied.
- This study investigates PHF epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes in German centenarians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epidemiology of proximal humeral fractures (PHF) in patients aged 100 years and older in Germany.
- To analyze treatment patterns and outcomes for PHF in centenarians.
- To compare outcomes of centenarians with PHF to younger elderly populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of claims data from BARMER health insurance (2011-2022).
- Included patients aged 65+ with PHF diagnosis; centenarians (100+) compared to 65-99 age group.
- Primary endpoints: overall survival, major adverse events (MAEs), and thrombo-embolic events.
Main Results:
- 100,482 PHF patients identified; 230 were centenarians (≥100 years).
- Centenarians were predominantly female, had more comorbidities, but fewer lifestyle risks.
- Surgical treatment was less common in centenarians, with a 1-year mortality rate of 59.2%.
Conclusions:
- Centenarians with PHF are typically female, with non-operative treatment being most common.
- Operative treatment showed a low complication rate, despite high overall mortality (nearly 60% within one year).
- The direct relationship between PHF and mortality in centenarians requires further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
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...
Fractures: Bone Repair
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...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

