[Morbidity and mortality of surgically treated proximal humerus fractures].

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to analyse the factors associated with mortality and the capacity to perform daily life activities (DLA) in patients with surgically treated proximal humeral fractures. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 94 patients with a surgically treated proximal humeral fracture, with a mean follow-up of 8 years (2 - 12 years). A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the type of fracture, surgical technique, comorbidities and mortality and DLA. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 72 patients were identified, 18.6% of them died during follow-up, all diagnosed with some comorbidity. There was no correlation between mortality, type of fracture or the technique used. Most of the patients (85.4%) had comorbidities, and 79.5% were completely independent for DLA. Although there was no relationship with the type of fracture, there was a significant reduction in the performing of DLA in patients treated with hemiarthroplasty, and in patients with neurological disorders. CONCLUSIONS There was a mortality of 18.6% among patients with surgically treated proximal humerus fractures. The majority of surgically treated patients were fully independent for DLA at long-term follow-up.