The Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Patients Over 60 Years of Age

Objective: The objective is to present and compare the results of surgical methods used in the treatment of osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture between 2009 and 2013 was conducted. The demographic data of the patients, surgical methodology, concomitant injuries, time intervals before surgery, hospitalization time, and follow-up time were recorded. Constant-Murley Score and ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) Score were utilized for functional evaluation. Shoulder abduction and flexion ranges of motion were measured as objective evaluation.

Results: Sixteen patients (64%) were operated with plate-screw osteosynthesis, 2 patients (8%) with percutaneous k-wire fixation, and 7 patients (28%) with partial shoulder arthroplasty. A significant correlation was identified between treatment and Neer classification (P=.011). No significant correlation was observed between functional scores and surgical method (P > .05 for each). Objective evaluations revealed a significant difference in shoulder abduction range of motion between patients and surgical method (P = .030). Post-hoc analyses showed a significant difference between plate-screw osteosynthesis and hemi-arthroplasty groups (P=.010).

Conclusion: Percutaneous techniques, plate-screw osteosynthesis, or arthroplasty methods may be preferred in osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures, with no superiority over each other. The decision regarding the surgical method for geriatric proximal humerus fractures should be based on patient and fracture related factors.

Cite this article as: Orhan SS, Keklikçi K. The radiographic and clinical outcomes of proximal humerus fractures in patients over 60 years of age. Arch Basic Clin Res. 2025; Published online March 19, 2025. doi: 10.5152/ABCR.2025.25331.