Retrospective multicenter (TRON group) study of humeral shaft fragility fractures Analysis of mortality rates and risk factors

Aims: This study aimed to show the mortality rate following humeral shaft fragility fractures (HSFF) in the elderly. The secondary aim was to examine the predictors associated with mortality in elderly patients who have sustained HSFF.Methods: From 2011 to 2020, all elderly patients aged 65 years and older with HSFF managed at our nine hospitals were retrospectively identified from our TRON database. Patient demographics and surgical characteristics were extracted from medical records and radiographs, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting mortality.Results: In total, 153 patients who sustained HSFF were included. The mortality rate for HSFF in the elderly was 15.7% at 1 year and 24.6% at 2 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed significant differences in survival for the following variables: older age (p < 0.001), underweight (p = 0.022), severely ill (p = 0.025), mobility limited to indoors (p = 0.003), dominant-side injury (p = 0.027), and nonoperative treatment (p = 0.013).Conclusion: The outcome following HSFF in the elderly population appears to be relatively grim. The prognosis of elderly patients with HSFF is closely related to their medical history. In the elderly patients with HSFF, operative treatment should be positively considered while taking into account their medical status.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the mortality rate and predictors associated with mortality in elderly patients who have sustained humeral shaft fragility fractures (HSFF). Retrospective data from a TRON database was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression analysis. The results showed a mortality rate of 15.7% at 1 year and 24.6% at 2 years for HSFF in the elderly. Factors such as older age, underweight, severe illness, limited mobility, dominant-side injury, and nonoperative treatment were significant predictors of mortality.