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Orthopaedic Treatment Proximal Humeral Fractures

Orthopaedic Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures With Sling. Prospective , Non-randomized Open Study to Compare Two Treatments Effectiveness in the Management of Three-four Part (Neer's Classification) of Proximal Humeral Fractures

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03339570
Enrollment
20
Registered
2017-11-13
Start date
2017-11-15
Completion date
2020-11-01
Last updated
2021-11-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Proximal Humeral Fracture

Brief summary

Prospective non-randomized, open, unicentric observational study to compare two different treatments for Three-four parts fractures of proximal humerus (Neer's Classification) in elderly patients (over 75 years old). Both technics are: Sling inmobilization and shoulder arthroplasty.

Detailed description

The investigators propose an observational study that aims to assess: * Primarily, the functional results of a cohort of 20 pacients presenting fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to (Neer's Classification) that will be treated orthopedically (this is, non-surgically). This patients will be recruited in the emergency room of our center, and after being diagnosed of their fracture, will be treated with a sling for three weeks and subsequent rehabilitation treatment. Our intention is to assess the function of the injured shoulder using functional scales (ASES, DASH and Constant score, and VAS scale) at the time of three and twelve months from the date of the trauma. * Secondly the investigators want to compare the results obtained in this cohort with the results of a historical cohort of patients operated in our center with the same type of fracture. Both types of treatment (non-surgical and shoulder prosthesis) are valid for this type of fracture, and endorsed by the scientific literature. The investigators consider this to be an observational study since it assigns a single cohort of patients a single treatment (ie non-surgical treatment). The conservative treatment for this fractures is part of routine medical care, and the object of this study is to evaluate the effect of this intervention.

Interventions

PROCEDUREOrthopedic treatment for a proximal humeral fracture

Orthopedic treatment consisting in inmobilization of the arm in a sling for the first three weeks, followed by physical therapy.

Sponsors

Mikel Aburto
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
75 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* 75 years or older. * 3 or 4 parts fracture (Neer's Classification).

Exclusion criteria

* Comorbilities affecting to functional recovery. * Fractures associating shoulder dislocation. * Open fractures including neurovascular damage. * Polytraumatized patients

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 Months and 12 Months From the Date of Trauma1 yearChanges in numeric values for the Constant shoulder function scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. The Constant scale, also known as the ConstantMurley score, is one of the most widely used instruments to evaluate the shoulder. It was originally published in 1987 by the European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SECEC) as a method to compare function of the shoulder before and after a treatment. It is a system that combines the physical examination (65 points) with the subjective evaluation of the patient (35 points). The maximum score is 100 points, being from 90 to 100 excellent, from 80 to 89 good, from 70 to 79 average, and less than 70 poor.
ASES Scale Evaluation12 monthsChanges in numeric values for the ASES shoulder function scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. ASES evaluation comprises a subjective part completed by the patient and an objective part performed by doctor. The subjective includes questions about pain, symptoms of instability, and activities of daily living. The final score includes two subscales: 1. Pain subscale 0-50 ASES points. 2. Function/disability subscale 0-50 ASES points. Total score 0-100 ASES points, being 0 = worse pain and functional loss/disability
DASH Scale Evaluation12 monthsChanges in numeric values for the DASH scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. DASH scale consists of 30 questions. In addition, there are two optional modules, each containing four questions, which are used to assess the symptoms and function of athletes, artists and other workers whose functional demands exceed those assessed by the DASH questionnaire. Calculating the final score is relatively complicated. To calculate the score it is necessary that at least 27 of the 30 questions have been answered. The final score is obtained by calculating the arithmetic mean of the answered questions, subtracting 1 and multiplying by 25. This calculation provides a score between 0 and 100, with the greater the disability the higher the score obtained, and considering variations with clinical significance those that exceed the 10 points.
VAS Scale Evaluation12 monthsChanges in numeric values for the Changes in numeric values for the VAS scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. VAS is defined as a one-dimensional scale for the subjective assessment of pain by the patient. It consists of a straight line (usually 10 centimeters -100 millimeters) in whose limits the most extreme degrees of pain intensity are located, considering a score of 0 points for the lowest degree or absence of pain (usually referred by the patient as no pain) and 100 points for the highest grade (often referred to as worst bearable or worst pain imaginable). The final score (from 0 to 100 points) is obtained by measuring the distance in millimeters between the lower end (score of 0 points) and the mark indicated by the patient along the line.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Statistical Analysis of Changes in Numeric Values for the Constant Scale in the Context of a Cohort Study12 monthsTo compare the results of Constant scale at 12 months in the prospective cohort (non-surgical cohort) with the results already obtained in a historical cohort of 20 patients who were operated on by this same pathology in our hospital. The Constant scale, also known as the ConstantMurley score, is one of the most widely used instruments to evaluate the shoulder. It was originally published in 1987 by the European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SECEC) as a method to compare function of the shoulder before and after a treatment. It is a system that combines the physical examination (65 points) with the subjective evaluation of the patient (35 points). The maximum score is 100 points, being from 90 to 100 excellent, from 80 to 89 good, from 70 to 79 average, and less than 70 poor.
Development of Osteonecrosis or Lack of Consolidation1 yearCollect possible complications derived from non-surgical treatment in the prospective cohort, such as humeral head osteonecrosis or lack of consolidation.

Countries

Spain

Participant flow

Recruitment details

20 patients who were enrolled after being diagnosed of a three-four parts proximal humeral fracture in the Emergency room at Hospital Gregorio Maranon (Madrid, Spain) between the years 2017 and 2019

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Orthopedic Treatment
This is the prospective cohort which includes 20 patients presenting three-four proximal humeral fracture who were treated non-surgically and followed prospectively during 12 months. Orthopedic treatment for a proximal humeral fracture: Orthopedic treatment consisting in inmobilization of the arm in a sling for the first three weeks, followed by physical therapy.
16
Total16

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicOrthopedic Treatment
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
16 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected— Participants
Region of Enrollment
Spain
16 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
11 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
5 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 0
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 0
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 0

Outcome results

Primary

ASES Scale Evaluation

Changes in numeric values for the ASES shoulder function scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. ASES evaluation comprises a subjective part completed by the patient and an objective part performed by doctor. The subjective includes questions about pain, symptoms of instability, and activities of daily living. The final score includes two subscales: 1. Pain subscale 0-50 ASES points. 2. Function/disability subscale 0-50 ASES points. Total score 0-100 ASES points, being 0 = worse pain and functional loss/disability

Time frame: 12 months

Population: We compared the difference in the mean value for the ASES scale measured at 3 and 12 months for the group of patients under study who treated non-surgically.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsASES Scale Evaluation54.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 16.5
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 12 MonthsASES Scale Evaluation72.4 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.4
Primary

Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 Months and 12 Months From the Date of Trauma

Changes in numeric values for the Constant shoulder function scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. The Constant scale, also known as the ConstantMurley score, is one of the most widely used instruments to evaluate the shoulder. It was originally published in 1987 by the European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SECEC) as a method to compare function of the shoulder before and after a treatment. It is a system that combines the physical examination (65 points) with the subjective evaluation of the patient (35 points). The maximum score is 100 points, being from 90 to 100 excellent, from 80 to 89 good, from 70 to 79 average, and less than 70 poor.

Time frame: 1 year

Population: We compared the difference in the mean value for the Constant scale measured at 3 and 12 months for the group of patients under study who treated non-surgically.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsConstant Scale Evaluation at 3 Months and 12 Months From the Date of Trauma40.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.6
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 12 MonthsConstant Scale Evaluation at 3 Months and 12 Months From the Date of Trauma51.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.4
Comparison: Student's t test was used if they were variables adjusted to a normal distribution, or the Mann-Whitney U test if they were non-normal variables.p-value: <0.01t-test, 2 sided
Primary

DASH Scale Evaluation

Changes in numeric values for the DASH scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. DASH scale consists of 30 questions. In addition, there are two optional modules, each containing four questions, which are used to assess the symptoms and function of athletes, artists and other workers whose functional demands exceed those assessed by the DASH questionnaire. Calculating the final score is relatively complicated. To calculate the score it is necessary that at least 27 of the 30 questions have been answered. The final score is obtained by calculating the arithmetic mean of the answered questions, subtracting 1 and multiplying by 25. This calculation provides a score between 0 and 100, with the greater the disability the higher the score obtained, and considering variations with clinical significance those that exceed the 10 points.

Time frame: 12 months

Population: We compared the difference in the mean value for the DASH scale measured at 3 and 12 months for the group of patients under study who treated non-surgically.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsDASH Scale Evaluation38.6 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.6
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 12 MonthsDASH Scale Evaluation23.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.8
Primary

VAS Scale Evaluation

Changes in numeric values for the Changes in numeric values for the VAS scale applied to 20 patients with fractures of 3 and 4 parts of proximal humerus (according to Neer's Classification) evaluated at the time of 3 months and 12 months from the date of the trauma. VAS is defined as a one-dimensional scale for the subjective assessment of pain by the patient. It consists of a straight line (usually 10 centimeters -100 millimeters) in whose limits the most extreme degrees of pain intensity are located, considering a score of 0 points for the lowest degree or absence of pain (usually referred by the patient as no pain) and 100 points for the highest grade (often referred to as worst bearable or worst pain imaginable). The final score (from 0 to 100 points) is obtained by measuring the distance in millimeters between the lower end (score of 0 points) and the mark indicated by the patient along the line.

Time frame: 12 months

Population: We compared the difference in the mean value for the VAS scale measured at 3 and 12 months for the group of patients under study who treated non-surgically.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsVAS Scale Evaluation3.3 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.5
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 12 MonthsVAS Scale Evaluation1.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.1
Secondary

Development of Osteonecrosis or Lack of Consolidation

Collect possible complications derived from non-surgical treatment in the prospective cohort, such as humeral head osteonecrosis or lack of consolidation.

Time frame: 1 year

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsDevelopment of Osteonecrosis or Lack of Consolidation0 participants
Secondary

Statistical Analysis of Changes in Numeric Values for the Constant Scale in the Context of a Cohort Study

To compare the results of Constant scale at 12 months in the prospective cohort (non-surgical cohort) with the results already obtained in a historical cohort of 20 patients who were operated on by this same pathology in our hospital. The Constant scale, also known as the ConstantMurley score, is one of the most widely used instruments to evaluate the shoulder. It was originally published in 1987 by the European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (SECEC) as a method to compare function of the shoulder before and after a treatment. It is a system that combines the physical examination (65 points) with the subjective evaluation of the patient (35 points). The maximum score is 100 points, being from 90 to 100 excellent, from 80 to 89 good, from 70 to 79 average, and less than 70 poor.

Time frame: 12 months

Population: We compared difference in the mean value for the Constant scale at 12 months between the non-surgically group and a historical cohort, which consists of a group of 20 patients with a similar fracture who received a shoulder arthroplasty. Historical cohort is part of a previous study registered in Clinical Trials under the name FRALUX34, NCT02075476

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 3 MonthsStatistical Analysis of Changes in Numeric Values for the Constant Scale in the Context of a Cohort Study70.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.3
Orthopedic Treatment: Constant Scale Evaluation at 12 MonthsStatistical Analysis of Changes in Numeric Values for the Constant Scale in the Context of a Cohort Study51.8 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.4

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026