Clinical Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fracture In Children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Proximal Humerus Fractures in Children: The Outcomes of Conservative Management
IRAS ID
208225
Contact name
Benedict Clift
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tayside Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 2 days
Research summary
The bone in the arm is called the humerus. If one fractures the top part of the humerus, it is known as a ‘proximal humerus fracture’ (PHF). PHF in children are relatively uncommon and most of them do not require surgery, as healing is extremely successful in children. The treatment of PHF in children went through a major change with the introduction of putting surgical metal rod to fix the bone. However, the choice between non-surgical and surgical treatment with metal rods are still not agreed upon. The main question raised by orthopaedic surgeons is: for children and adolescent, are bone healings after non-surgical treatment as good as those after surgical treatment for PHF?\n\nWe aim to look into the outcomes of PHF in children aged from 10 to 18 years old, from the year 2008 to 2015. We presume that the end-results of the non-operative treatment for PHF to remain excellent due to the healing ability of children. If good clinical results can be achieved with non-surgical treatment, we would like to send out the message that non-operative treatment for PHF in children should be recommended.\n\nWe have obtained Caldicott approval to get information from the NHS Tayside’s radiography service. We have to look at all shoulder bone images, or known as ‘X rays’, performed in patients aged 10 to18 years old so that we can identify those who had PHF. From the X-rays, we can collect radiographic standards such as the severity of the fracture and the direction of the broken bones, which are very important for subsequent imaging analysis. We will then carry out mail questionnaires, based on the Upper Extremities Functional Index (UEFI); with return postages. The questionnaire can give us information about the individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities required to meet basic needs.\n\n\n\n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
16/NS/0095
Date of REC Opinion
28 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion