Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Children

Abstract

Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in children are relatively rare, comprising <3% of all paediatric fractures. As with most paediatric fractures, PHFs in children have historically been treated non-operatively with acceptable functional and quality-of-life outcomes. However, there is a growing trend towards the surgical management of severely displaced PHFs in older children, who have a lesser capacity to remodel. While recent studies in adults have demonstrated no benefit of surgery for certain PHFs, there remains a paucity of evidence to guide the management of PHFs in children, and there is considerable heterogeneity in the literature regarding the indications for the different management options. Aims of this thesis: To analyse the functional and quality-of-life outcomes for a cohort of paediatric patients with PHFs, in attempt to inform the future management of the various types of PHFs in children. To determine the clinical factors that predict a poorer clinical outcome for paediatric PHFs, including patient demographics, fracture pattern and treatment method.