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Radiological Outcomes, Complications, and the Influence of Risk Factors in PHILOS Repair of Three- and Four-Part Proximal Humerus Fractures with and Without Femoral Head Allograft: Insights from a Cohort of 116 Patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Complications after proximal humerus osteosynthesis are not uncommon. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of osteosynthesis using PHILOS with fresh-frozen femoral head allograft augmentation and without it, and to assess the influence of risk factors and their impact on the occurrence of postoperative complications. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the radiological outcomes and complications of treating proximal humerus fractures (Neer III–IV) in 116 patients over 50 years of age treated between 2017 and 2021. Results: Osteosynthesis without allograft was performed in 84 patients and with allograft in 32 patients. In total, 42 patients (36%) had a three-part fracture and 74 (64%) had a four-part fracture. The Deltoid Tuberosity Index was comparable between the groups (1.59 ± 0.25 vs. 1.50 ± 0.26; p = 0.802). The average duration of surgery was 101.3 ± 21.3 min with allograft and 86.0 ± 31.9 min without allograft (p = 0.004). AVN was verified in four patients (3.5%), head collapse in nine (8%), cut-out in six (5%), reoperation in eight (7%), infection in three (2.5%), and pseudoarthrosis in one (1%) case. Conclusions: An allograft augmentation improves construct stability, but cannot compensate for inadequate surgical technique. None of the risk factors significantly influenced the development of AVN and pseudoarthrosis. The greater tubercle comminution (p = 0.005), calcar loss (p = 0.020, p = 0.112), allograft augmentation (p < 0.001), and medial hinge restoration (p = 0.012, p = 0.002) were significant risk factors associated with HC and screw cut-out, respectively. The greater tubercle redislocation was influenced by its comminution, calcar loss, and the use of allograft augmentation. HFZ and DTI had no significant impact on surgery results or complications.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm15020910

Authors: Zoltan Cibula, Milan Cipkala, Diaa Sammoudi, Marian Grendar, Monika Cervencova

Institutions: Martin University Hospital, Comenius University Bratislava

Language: English

Topic: Shoulder Injury and Treatment

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137