Researchers analyzed recent trends in the incidence and treatment of proximal humerus fractures in a cross-sectional elderly population. Investigators analyzed Medicare data from 2005 to 2012 and looked at patient demographics, hospitalization data, treatment and revision status.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery published the study.
Here are six trends:
1. Researchers recorded 259,506 PHFs.
2. Of the total PHFs, 79 percent occurred in female patients.
3. Nonoperative treatment accounted for 67 percent of the treatment methods for all age groups.
4. Of surgical patients, internal fixation was most frequently used, and total shoulder arthroplasty was the least common procedure.
5. From 2005 to 2012, the number of TSA to treat PHFs increased from 3 percent to 17 percent.
6. Ninety-seven percent of surgical treatment options had a two-year survival rate without revision surgery.
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