EPIDEMIOLOGY AND FORENSIC IMPLICATIONS OF COMPLEX PROXIMAL HUMERAL FRACTURES

A. Scripcaru, P. D. Sîrbu, D. B. Iliescu, M. Diac, C. Scripcaru

Abstract: Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 7% of all fractures and 80% of humerus fractures, with a higher incidence in women. Among patients aged 65 years and older, proximal humeral fractures are the second most frequent upper extremity fractures and the third most frequent osteoporotic fractures, after proximal femur and distal radius fractures. Studies show that the incidence of proximal humeral fractures increases by approximately 40% every five years. In the United States, an estimated 275,000 patients will present to the emergency department with his proximal humeral level fracture by 2030. Fractures of the proximal humerus increase the risk of subsequent fractures of the proximal femur and distal forearm. The risk of fracture at the proximal femoral level following a fracture of the proximal humerus was 16%, the same as that following a fracture of the distal radius.
The forensic implications are important in evaluating the number of days of medical care especially in malpraxis cases. Incorrect treatment of the humeral fractures may lead to an important increase of the time of recovery and as a consequence complex medico-legal implications.
Keywords: fracture, humerus, recovery.