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Letters to the Editor to:

Scientific Articles:
Kevin C. Owsley and John T. Gorczyca
Displacement/Screw Cutout After Open Reduction and Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures
J Bone Joint Surg Am 2008; 90: 233-240 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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Electronic letters published:

[Read Letter to the Editor] More technical tips for locking compression plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures
Werner Kolb, M.D., Klaus Kolb M.D.   (29 April 2008)
[Read Letter to the Editor] Re: Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures
John T. Gorczyca, M.D., Kevin C. Owsley, M.D.   (10 April 2008)
[Read Letter to the Editor] Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures
Brian L. Badman, M.D., Mark Mighell M.D.   (17 March 2008)

More technical tips for locking compression plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures 29 April 2008
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Werner Kolb, M.D.
Isolde-Kurz-Str. 50, 70619 Stuttgart Germany,
Klaus Kolb M.D.

Send letter to journal:
Re: More technical tips for locking compression plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures

drwerner.kolb{at}t-online.de Werner Kolb, M.D., et al.

To The Editor:

We read with great interest the article entitled “Displacement/Screw Cutout After Open Reduction and Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures"(1). We have used the LCP for six years and we would like to offer some technical tips.

1) The proximal humerus fracture must be anatomically reduced or slightly impacted reduced prior to placement of the hardware(2). It is most important to reduce and to fix the tuberosities with their muscle insertions as closely as possible to their original anatomical sites(3).

2) Restoration of the medial hinge is critical to successful anatomic healing of the proximal humerus fracture(2). A disrupted medial hinge must be reduced and can be reconstituted with a 2.0 mm intramedullary plate(4).

3) In cases of comminution or malreduction of the medial hinge, the placement of calcar-specific screws (to within 5 mm of the subchondral bone) is critical to support the medial column and therefore maintain fracture reduction(5).

4) If calcar screws are necessary, the plate must be positioned to ensure that the screw will purchase the inferior part of the calcar(5).

The authors did not receive any outside funding or grants in support of their research for or preparation of this work. Neither they nor a member of their immediate families received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, division, center, clinical practice, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors, or a member of their immediate families, are affiliated or associated.

References:

1. Owsley KC, Gorczyca JT. Displacement/screw cutout after open reduction and locked plate fixation of humeral fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:233-240.

2. Nho SJ, Brophy RH, Barker JU, Cornell CN, MacGillivray JD. Management of proximal humerus fractures based on current literature. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(Suppl 3)(Oct):44-58.

3. Szyskowitz R. Humerus: proximal. In Rüedi TP, Murphy WM, editors. AO principles of fracture management. New York: Thieme;2000:270-289.

4. Sperling JW, Cuomo F, Hill JD, Hertel R, Chuinard C, Boileau P. The difficult proximal humerus fracture: tips and techniques to avoid complications and improve results. Instr Course Lect. 2007;56:52.

5. Gardner MJ, Weil Y, Barker JU, Kelly BT, Helfet DL, Lorich DG. The importance of medial support in locked plating of proximal humerus fractures. J Orthop Trauma 2007;21:185-91.
Re: Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures 10 April 2008
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John T. Gorczyca, M.D.,
Orthopaedic Surgeon
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY,
Kevin C. Owsley, M.D.

Send letter to journal:
Re: Re: Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures

john_gorczyca{at}urmc.rochester.edu John T. Gorczyca, M.D., et al.

We thank Drs. Badman and Mighell for sharing their input regarding our series which reports a high rate of fracture displacement and screw cutout after locked plate fixation of proximal humerus fracture(1). It is likely that other surgeons share similar concerns, but have not expressed them. It was our understanding that publishing a paper which reports an unexpectedly high complication rate is likely to draw criticism, but given the nature and frequency of the complications, we considered it important to report our findings and technique in order that other surgeons may learn and their patients benefit from our experience. We will address your concerns individually.

1. Quality of Reduction: We agree that anatomic reduction is important. Figure 1 shows a fracture with non-anatomic medial reduction in which screw cutout occurred. This case was chosen because it clearly demonstrates the screw cutout. At the time of this patient’s surgery, such a complication had not been described with locked proximal humerus plating, so this finding was not “expected”. Conversely, our belief at the time was that proximal humerus fractures fixed with locking plates would behave like periarticular fractures of the distal femur and proximal tibia, in which the use of plates with multiple locking screws were reported to have improved stability against axial mal-alignment and low rates of fixation loss. As we reported, this was not our experience with locked plate fixation in the proximal humerus.

As you point out, Gardner et al. report a lower rate of screw cutout when “medial support” of the proximal fracture was achieved (5% vs. 29%), which supports the notion that anatomic reduction will minimize complications such as screw cutout(2). One must bear in mind that the patients in that study who had medial support were on average 14 years younger (55 vs. 69 years), which suggests that advanced age and weaker bone quality may impair the surgeon’s ability to achieve medial bony contact intraoperatively. The concept that medial support is difficult to achieve in severe osteoporosis is supported by your recommendation of structural bone allograft to fill large metaphyseal voids: if anatomic reduction could reliably prevent fixation loss and screw cutout, then why would one need the structural allograft? Like you, we are optimistic that structural allograft may have a place in the operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures, but the specific uses and techniques are in the early stage of development(3).

2. Locking Plate as a Reduction Tool: It is correct that in many cases we fixed the plate to the proximal humerus first, and then reduced the surgical neck out of varus alignment by fixing the plate to the bone with non-locking screws first. Our early experience was that even with anatomic reduction and provisional K-wire fixation of these fractures, the muscular forces on the proximal humerus would cause the surgical neck component to drift into varus before the fracture could be definitively stabilized. Our use of the locking plate as a reduction tool eliminated that problem. It appears that Badman and Mighell have misinterpreted the studies that they reference. Haidukewych’s review pertained to Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plates, which, unlike proximal humerus locking plates, were designed for percutaneous insertion and fixation with only locking screws, such that reduction was not possible after the plate had been locked on both sides of the fracture(4). Smith et al. comment that when one uses plates that have only locking holes, the bone segment cannot be manipulated after it has been locked to the plate(5). Later in the report, however, they describe the use of conventional screws through non-locking holes “to pull the bone to the plate initially to secure a fracture reduction.” Moreover, all of the x- rays in Gardner et al’s. report appear to have non-locking screws that were used to pull the humeral shaft to the plate(2). Thus, the use of the locking plate as a reduction tool is beneficial and in accordance with basic principles of fracture management.

3. Locking screw angle and position: The writers point out that the locking plates that we used in our series have locking screws that do not match the anatomic neck shaft angle of the humerus. This is true. It is unlikely that designing a plate with locking screws that match the neck shaft angle (and thus are parallel to each other) would decrease the likelihood of screw cut-out (indeed, that would decrease resistance to fracture displacement, and perhaps increase the likelihood of screw cutout). We disagree with the contention that “the majority of the screws are placed into the superior part of the head where the weakest bone is located.” The plates that were used in our series were designed to distribute screw fixation throughout the humeral head. There is conflicting data on the strength of the bone in the superior humeral head, so fracture fixation which distributes the screws into multiple regions of the humeral head seems to be a logical approach for maximizing fixation strength(6-7).

Like Drs. Badman and Mighell, we are hopeful that techniques will evolve that will minimize the risk of complications with internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures. However, we caution against overly enthusiastic adoption of techniques that have not yet withstood clinical scrutiny.

References:

1. Owsley KC, Gorczyca JT. Displacement/screw cutout after open reduction and locked plate fixation of humeral fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:233-240.

2. Gardner MJ, Weil Y, Barker JU, Kelly BT, Helfet DL, Lorich DG. The importance of medial support in locked plating of proximal humerus fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2007;21:185-91.

3. Gardner MJ, Boraiah S, Helfet DL, Lorich DG. Indirect Medial Reduction and Strut Support of Proximal Humerus Fractures Using an Endosteal Implant. J Orthop Trauma. 2008; 22:195-200.

4. Haidukewych GJ. Innovations in Locking Plate Technology J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., July/August 2004; 12: 205 - 212.

5. Smith WR, Ziran BH, Anglen JO, Stahel PF. Locking plates: tips and tricks. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Oct;89(10):2298-307. Review.

6. Liew AS, Johnson JA, Patterson SD, King GJ, Chess DG. Effect of Screw Placement on Fixation in the Humeral Head. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2000 Sept-Oct; 9(5):423-6.

7. Hepp P, Lill H, Bail H, Korner J, Niederhagen M, Haas NP, Josten C, Duda GN. Where Should Implants be Anchored in the Humeral Head? Clin Orthop and Rel Research, (415)139-147, 2003.
Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures 17 March 2008
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Brian L. Badman, M.D.
OrthyIndy, Danville, IN,
Mark Mighell M.D.

Send letter to journal:
Re: Some Technical Points Regarding Use of Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures

bbadman{at}gmail.com Brian L. Badman, M.D., et al.

To The Editor:

We read with interest the article entitled "Displacement/Screw Cutout After Open Reduction and Locked Plate Fixation of Humeral Fractures"(1). We wish to provide some important technical considerations in managing these difficult fractures.

The fixation of proximal humeral fractures has been aided greatly by the advent of anatomical fixed-angle locking plates. While recent publications by Rose et al.(2) and the current authors have documented alarmingly high failure rates when treating proximal humeral fractures with locking osteosynthesis, we would contend that the surgical technique utilized to treat these injuries is just as critical, if not more important, than the fixation device utilized.

We commend the current authors for their utilization of suture fixation of the tuberosities. Many authors have failed to stress the importance of this and if surgeons are depending on screw fixation alone, the fracture construct will likely fail. By tying the tuberosities to the plate, the basic principles of hemiarthroplasty are followed and the natural deforming forces of the rotator cuff are counterbalanced. Omitting this step can result in a substantially high rate of fracture displacement.

Our main critique of the article is based on the radiographic example of the "acceptable" reduction of the four-part valgus impacted fracture. As pointed out by Gardner(3), reproduction of the medial hinge and in essence, anatomical reduction of the fracture prior to application of the plate is of utmost importance. In the x-ray presented by the authors, the fracture was clearly never adequately reduced out of valgus impaction. Furthermore, the screws placed into the head appear to have displaced the fragment further medially from the plate resulting in further mal-alignment. As would be expected, when the fracture settled the screws cut out. We would contend that had the fracture been reduced, this outcome might have been avoided. As a technical pearl, we have found that in situations where a large metaphyseal void exists after elevation of the head in these circumstances, a piece of structural allograft in the form of a tricortical iliac crest graft or fibular strut can be placed in an intramedullary position to fill the void and provide adequate head support and help prevent head collapse.

We would also like to comment on the authors' recommendation of using the locking plate as a reduction tool to reduce the head fragment to the shaft. While this can occasionally be utilized in younger (stronger) bone, we do not recommend this technique for use in older (osteoporotic) bone, the more likely case when dealing with this type of injury. This technique also violates the basic AO tenet of locked plate osteosynthesis where the fracture should be reduced first and the plate never utilized as an indirect reduction tool.(4,5).

Finally, we would like to point out that all current published series of hardware cutout have been in situations where the locking plate is fixed with screws that do not match the anatomic neck shaft angle of the humerus(2,3). Many of the manufacturers have essentially mimicked the initial design of the Synthes Philos plate (Synthes, Ltd Paoli, PA) thereby creating more of a blade plate design and necessitating a higher placment on the shaft. In doing so, the majority of the screws are placed into the superior part of the head where the weakest bone is located. This may predispose these plate designs to higher failure rates and, by using a plate that is positioned lower, more fixation in the stonger inferior hemisphere may be obtained thereby potentially reducing these complications.

In conclusion, we believe that the technique of fixation of these fractures is critical and that by following a systematic approach with basic principles the results of fixation of these difficult fractures will continue to improve with locked plate technology.

The authors did not receive any outside funding or grants in support of their research for or preparation of this work. Neither they nor a member of their immediate families received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, division, center, clinical practice, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors, or a member of their immediate families, are affiliated or associated.

References:

1. Owsley KC, Groczyca JT. Displacement/screw cutout after open reduction and locked plate fixation of humeral fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90:233-240.

2. PS Rose, Adams CR, Torchia ME, Jacofsky DJ, Haidukewych GG, Steinmann SP. Locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures: initial results with a new implant. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007 Mar-Apr;16(2):202-7.

3. Gardner MJ, Weil Y, Barker JU, Kelly BT, Helfet DL, Lorich DG. The importance of medial support in locked plating of proximal humerus fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2007 Mar;21(3):185-91.

4. Haidukewych GJ.Innovations in Locking Plate Technology J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., July/August 2004; 12: 205 - 212.

5. Smith WR, Ziran BH, Anglen JO, Stahel PF. Locking plates: tips and tricks. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Oct;89(10):2298-307. Review.