Proximal Humerus Fractures in Children: A Review
Author Information
Author(s): Pahlavan Sohrab, Baldwin Keith D., Pandya Nirav K., Namdari Surena, Hosalkar Harish
Primary Institution: University of California, San Diego
Hypothesis
What are the outcomes of the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the pediatric population?
Conclusion
The literature suggests that non-operative treatment is generally effective for younger children, while older patients with more displaced fractures may benefit from surgical intervention, although the evidence is currently weak.
Supporting Evidence
- The majority of studies recommend non-operative treatment for children under 10 years.
- Older patients with more displaced fractures may have worse outcomes with non-operative treatment.
- Many studies reported that patients returned to full function without major complications.
Takeaway
When kids break their upper arm bone, most of the time they can heal without surgery, but older kids with worse breaks might need an operation to fix it.
Methodology
A systematic review of literature from January 1960 to April 2010, including studies with patients under 18 treated for proximal humerus fractures.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may exist as operative treatment is more likely in more severely displaced fractures.
Limitations
The studies reviewed were mostly uncontrolled case series with no systematic assessment of quality, and many had incomplete follow-up.
Participant Demographics
The patient ages ranged from under a year to 18 years, with 61% male.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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