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. 2023 Oct;33(7):3119-3124.
doi: 10.1007/s00590-023-03539-5. Epub 2023 Apr 10.

Epidemiology of proximal humerus fractures in Qatar

Osama Z Alzobi  1 , Loay A Salman  1 , Jawad Derbas  1 , Abedallah Abudalou  1 , Ashraf T Hantouly  1 , Ghalib Ahmed  2
Affiliations

Epidemiology of proximal humerus fractures in Qatar

Osama Z Alzobi et al. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and treatment options of proximal humerus fractures at a level one trauma center and to compare our data with the current literature.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients diagnosed and treated for proximal humerus fractures at Hamad General Hospital, a level one trauma center, between January 2018 and December 2019. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture classification, mode of treatment, implant type, length of hospital stay, associated injuries and complications were analyzed.

Results: A total of 190 patients with a mean age of 52.4 years were included; 56.8% were males. The incidence of proximal humerus fracture was 4.1/100,000 per year. Falling from a standing height was the most common cause of injury (50.5%). Additionally, Neer's two-part fracture was found to be the most common type (n = 132, 69%). Forty-one patients (21.3%) had other associated injuries. Most fractures were treated nonoperatively with an arm sling (n = 138, 72.6%).

Conclusion: In summary, the incidence of proximal humerus fractures during the two-year study period was found to be 4.1 per 100,000 persons per year. Our results showed a lower incidence of proximal humerus fractures with a predominance of males and younger patients in Qatar's population compared to females and older patients in the developed countries. Our results may contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing and treating proximal humerus fractures, and can provide important data for further high-level clinical research.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Fracture; Humerus; Incidence; Proximal; Qatar.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in any material discussed in this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of gender by age range
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of mechanism of injury by age range. (FFH: Fall from height, FFS: Fall from standing height, MVC: Motor vehicle collision)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Fractures classification according to Neer’s classification system
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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