Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are becoming more common, especially among older adults and often require surgical management. Two widely used surgical techniques are intramedullary nailing (IMN) and locking plate fixation (ORIF), yet there is ongoing debate regarding their comparative effectiveness. This study aims to systematically evaluate and compare functional, clinical, and complication-related outcomes of IMN and plating for adult patients with displaced PHFs.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023434897). We searched the databases PubMed, Embase (OVID), and SCOPUS up to January 2025. Randomised controlled trials and cohort studies comparing IMN and plating with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up were included. The outcomes assessed were functional scores (DASH, ASES, Constant-Murley), pain (VAS), range of motion (external rotation and forward flexion), complications, and reoperation rates. We used a random-effects model to account for inter-study heterogeneity, and risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2 and MINORS tools.
Results: After screening, twelve studies (n=1039 participants; mean age 65.6 years) were included. Amongst these, we found no statistically significant differences between IMN and plating in DASH, ASES, or Constant-Murley scores at 6 months. VAS pain scores, range of motion, complication rates, and reoperation rates were also comparable. Subgroup analysis for 2-part, 3-part fractures, and at 12 months follow up also revealed no significant outcome differences between techniques. While some individual studies showed small short-term advantages favouring one method, these did not exceed thresholds for clinical relevance. Evidence quality was moderate overall, with some heterogeneity in study design, outcome reporting, and follow-up duration.
Conclusion: We found that intramedullary nailing and plating demonstrate equivalent clinical outcomes for the surgical management of displaced proximal humerus fractures in adults. We suggest therefore that IMN may represent a reasonable alternative to plating, given its reduced operative time, less soft tissue disruption, and lower overall cost. However, further research is needed to determine whether specific patient subgroups benefit more from one technique.
Background: Metal-free fixation methods, such as the all-suture cerclage technique, for the Latarjet procedure aim to minimize implant-related complications. Clinical studies suggest equivalent clinical results while reducing implant related complications. However, recent studies have shown increased rates of graft migration and failure due to cortical cut-through. Revision strategies following such failures remain poorly described. The aim of this study is to evaluate the primary stability of revision Latarjet surgery using two conventional malleolar screws after failure of all-suture cerclage fixation compared to primary screw fixation. It is hypothesized that fixation of the coracoid graft using two malleolar screws in revision cases is equal or higher than primary screw fixation.
Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens (six matched pairs) were previously tested in a study comparing suture cerclage and malleolar screw fixation. Following failure due to cortical bone cut-through, revision surgery was performed on the cerclage specimens using two malleolar screws. Bone graft displacement under cyclic loading in six load levels (up to 300 N) and static conjoint tendon tension (10 N) was measured using a three dimensional optical marker system. Outcomes were compared to those from primary screw fixations.
Results: No statistically significant differences in graft displacement under cyclic loading between the revision and primary groups at any load level (p > 0.05) could be found. The revision group showed slightly higher displacement at low load levels but demonstrated superior stability at higher loads compared to primary screw fixation. One intraoperative graft fracture was observed during revision but did not affect the primary stability of the tested specimen.
Discussion and conclusion: Revision Latarjet surgery using malleolar screw fixation after failed all-suture cerclage provides non-inferior biomechanical primary stability compared to primary screw fixation. This technique appears to be a viable salvage option for addressing instability following failure of metal-free Latarjet constructs. Clinical studies need to be conducted in order to confirm the results of this biomechanical study.
Introduction: Long-term data at 15 years following implantation of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is very limited. It was the aim of this study to analyze patients at a minimum of 15 years following rTSA implantation.
Methods: A prospectively followed database of rTSAs performed at a tertiary referral center was analyzed at a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate time to complication and reoperation/revision rates and to calculate predictive factors. Clinical outcomes included the absolute and relative Constant-Murley score (CSa and CSr), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), range of motion including CS internal rotation (CS IR) and CS pain. The radiographic measurement included analysis of notching, radiolucent lines, heterotopic ossification, stress shielding and tuberosity resorption.
Results: A total of 258 shoulders (249 patients, median age 72 [75% IQR, 66 to 78] years, 62% female) underwent rTSA implantation in the specified period. Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis revealed a complication-free rate of 80% (IQR, 78% to 83%) and 76% (IQR, 70% to 81%) and a reoperation-free rate of 84% (IQR, 80% to 89%) at 10 and 15 years, respectively. Risk factors for complications were younger age (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.97), female gender (HR 2.04), and revision surgery as indication (HR 2.08). Of those 258 shoulders, 52 rTSAs (52 patients, median age 64 (IQR, 59 to 70) years, 46% female) were available for complete clinical and radiographic analysis at a minimum follow-up of 15 years (median 15.1 (IQR, 14.9 to 16,6) years). The initial improvements observed for most clinical parameters could be maintained from 2-years to mid-term and long-term follow-up at 10 and 15 years, respectively, including a CSa of 64 (IQR, 46 to 71), CSr of 79% (IQR, 60% to 86%), SSV of 80% (IQR, 60% to 93%), CS pain of 15.0 (IQR, 10.0 to 15.0), abduction of 120° (IQR, 88° to 145°), external rotation of 20° (IQR, 10° to 40°), and CS IR of 4.0 (IQR, 2.0 to 8.0), as well as strength of 2.13 (IQR, 0.00 to 3.45) kg at 15 years follow-up. Only flexion showed worsening over time from 130° (IQR, 100° to 150°) at 2 years to 115° (IQR, 94° to 130°) at 15 years postoperatively. All radiographic parameters progressed from preoperatively to 10 years postoperatively with no further progression.
Conclusion: RTSA provides a stable clinical and radiographic outcome at long-term follow-up of at least 15 years. However, complication and revision rates are still high.
Aims: Common indications for total elbow arthroplasty include fracture, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Total elbow arthroplasty is increasingly being performed for fracture in the context of an ageing population, improved medical management of rheumatoid arthritis, and improving surgical technologies. This study aimed to investigate survivorship of total elbow arthroplasty implants by indication using data from the New Zealand Joint Registry.
Methods: Prospectively collected data from the New Zealand Joint Registry, a national database with capture >95%, were used to compare the survivorship rates and Oxford Scores of total elbow arthroplasty by indication for all procedures performed between January 2000 and December 2022. Underlying diagnoses, reason for revision and patient demographics were all recorded. Statistical analysis included survivorship analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves and comparison between groups using independent t tests.
Results: Over the 22 year study period, 601 total elbow arthroplasty procedures were performed representing 4875 component years. 185 total elbow arthroplasty procedures were performed for fracture, 318 for rheumatoid arthritis and 98 for osteoarthritis. The number of revisions per 100 component-years for total elbow arthroplasty was 0.40 for fracture, 0.98 for rheumatoid arthritis, and 1.86 for osteoarthritis. The adjusted revision rate for total elbow arthroplasty performed for fracture was lower than when performed for osteoarthritis (p=0.020) and equivalent to when performed for rheumatoid arthritis (p=0.240). Mean Oxford Scores 6 months post-operatively were 33.0 for total elbow arthroplasty procedures performed for fracture, 37.8 for total elbow arthroplasty performed for osteoarthritis and 39.0 for total elbow arthroplasty performed for rheumatoid arthritis. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusions: In the context of a higher proportion of total elbow arthroplasty being performed for complex distal humeral fractures and their post-traumatic sequelae, survivorship and functional outcomes appear to be favourable or comparable to traditional indications such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Background: There are no reports addressing the treatment and outcomes of kissing osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the radiocapitellar joint. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of the surgical treatment for kissing OCD of the radiocapitellar joint.
Materials and methods: Of the 220 patients who underwent surgery for capitellar OCD, we selected those with an additional diagnosis of concomitant OCD in the radial head. Only five patients (2.3%) met the inclusion criteria. All of the patients were boys belonging to sports clubs: four played baseball and one did gymnastics. Their primary complaint was elbow pain. The mean range of motion of the elbow was -22 degrees of extension and 129 degrees of flexion. Three-dimensional computed tomography revealed a mean maximum width of 14.4 mm for the capitellar lesion and 9.8 mm for the radial head lesion. Three patients had multiple loose fragments. Five patients underwent surgery at a mean age of 12.8 years. Cases 1 and 2 underwent osteochondral autologous transplantation (OAT) for the capitellum, and the stable radial head lesions were left in place. Case 3 underwent arthroscopic fragment removal (AR) alone. Case 4 underwent OAT for the capitellum and AR for the radial head. Case 5 underwent OAT for both kissing lesions. The donor site was the nonweight-bearing articular surface of the lateral femoral condyle. The mean observation period was 5.2 years. We examined the outcomes retrospectively.
Results: Defect enlargement in the radiocapitellar joint was observed in two patients (cases 3 and 4) who did not undergo OAT for both osteochondral defects following fragment removal. These two patients required salvage OAT for both osteochondral lesions. All five patients, including the aforementioned two, returned to competitive sports. At the final follow-up, the mean postoperative self-assessment scores were six points for the DASH Sports questionnaire and nine points for the PREE. The mean range of motion of the elbow was -12 degrees of extension and 132 degrees of flexion. The mean grip strength ratio of the affected hand compared to the unaffected hand was 93.9%.
Discussion: Kissing osteochondral defects may tend to enlarge. This series suggests that articular reconstruction of both the capitellum and radial head is an effective treatment for kissing osteochondral defects, but more work would be needed. This is the first report addressing the treatment and outcomes of kissing OCD of the radiocapitellar joint.

