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Background: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral head split fractures is challenging because of high instability and limited visibility. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the extend of the approach through the rotator interval (RI) on the reduction quality and functional outcome. Methods: 37 patients (mean age: 59 ± 16 years,16 female) treated by ORIF through a standard deltopectoral (DP) approach were evaluated. The follow-up period was at least two years. In 17 cases, the approach was extended through the RI. Evaluation was based on radiographs, Constant scores (CS) and DASH scores. Results: In group DP, "anatomic" reduction was achieved in 9 cases (45%), "acceptable" in 5 cases (25%), and "malreduced" in 6 cases (30%). In group RI, "anatomic" reduction was seen in 12 cases (71%), "acceptable" in 5 cases (29%), and "malreduced" in none (p = 0.04). In the DP group, the CS was 60.2 ± 16.2 and the %CS was 63.9 ± 22.3, while in the RI group, the CS was 74.5 ± 17.4 and the %CS was 79.1 ± 24.1 (p = 0.07, p = 0.08). DASH score was 22.8 ± 19.5 in DP compared to RI: 25.2 ± 20.6 (p = 0.53). Conclusions: The RI approach improves visualization as it enhances quality of fracture reduction, however functional outcomes may not differ significantly. Type of study and level of proof: Retrospective, level III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients are an increasing concern due to their association with osteoporosis and the aging population. These fractures significantly affect patients' mobility and quality of life. This study evaluates different surgical techniques in patients suffering from FFP to provide standardized recommendations for treatment strategies. In addition, we compared therapeutic concepts and their outcome between two major trauma centers in Germany., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 882 patients aged over 65 years who suffered from FFP between 2003 and 2020 at a level I and level III trauma center in a german metropolis. Fractures were classified according to Rommens and Hofmann. Data collection included patient demographics, fracture type, treatment strategy, and length of hospital stay., Results: FFP I fractures were predominantly treated conservatively at both centers. Significant variability was noted in the treatment of type II and III fractures, with level III trauma center having a higher surgical intervention rate for FFP II in 27.6 % compared to the level I trauma center in 9.9 % of the cases. The most common procedure at both hospitals was the stabilization of the posterior pelvic ring. Patients who underwent less invasive posterior-only stabilization had shorter length of hospital stay than those who received combined anterior and posterior stabilization., Conclusions: The study reveals substantial differences in the treatment approaches for FFP between two major trauma centers. Less invasive surgical methods, particularly posterior-only stabilization, are associated with shorter hospital stays and potentially better outcomes for elderly patients with unstable FFP., Clinical Relevance: This study underscores the importance of minimally invasive surgical techniques in managing FFP in elderly patients, highlighting their potential to reduce the length of hospital stay and improve recovery., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: If surgery is indicated for elderly patients suffering a proximal humerus fracture, reverse fracture arthroplasty became the preferred type of treatment due to its good and reliable outcomes over the last decade. Surgeons could choose from a wide range of implants and up to now there was no evaluation, if a change of the manufacturer affects patients` outcome., Methods: The last 100 patients before and the first 100 after manufacturer change in reverse fracture arthroplasty were evaluated at a level one trauma center, all treated by only 3 senior shoulder surgeons. Clinical as well as radiographic outcome parameters were assessed, perioperative up to 24 months after surgery., Results: Mean age in both groups was nearly 80 years with comparable distribution of gender and comorbidities. A trend to shorter duration of surgery was observed after the change, mainly according to an uncemented fixation of the stem. During follow-up no significant differences, beneficial as well as negative, could be observed regarding clinical and radiographic outcome., Conclusion: A manufacturer change on the fly is possible without negative consequences for patients` outcome. Expertise of the whole OR-team as well as standardized training with the new implant seems to be a more important factor than a specific type of implant., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interests: All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Johannes Gleich and Tobias Helfen. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Johannes Gleich and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript., (© 2025. The Author(s).)