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Hemiarthroplasty versus nonoperative treatment of displaced 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 07/26/2011
Clinical Article
Olerud P et al. - The results of the study demonstrated a significant advantage in quality of life in favor of hemiarthroplasty (HA), as compared to nonoperative treatment in elderly patients with a displaced 4-part fracture of the proximal humerus. The main advantage of HA appeared to be less pain while there were no differences in range of motion (ROM).
Methods- The authors included 55 patients, mean age 77 (range, 58-92) years, 86% being women.
- Follow-up examinations were done at 4, 12, and 24 months.
- The main outcome measures were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to the EQ-5D and the DASH and Constant scores.
- At the final 2-year follow-up the HRQoL was significantly better in the HA group compared to the nonoperative group, EQ-5D index score 0.81 compared to 0.65 (P = .02).
- The results for DASH and pain assessment were both in favor of the HA group, DASH score 30 versus 37 (P = .25) and pain according to VAS 15 versus 25 (P = .17).
- There were no significant differences regarding the Constant score or range of motion (ROM).
- Both groups achieved a mean flexion of approximately 90-95° and a mean abduction of 85-90°.
- The need for additional surgery was low: 3 patients in the HA group and 1 patient in the nonoperative group.
