NYMC Faculty Publications

Investigating Age-Stratified Outcomes Following Surgical Fixation of Humeral Shaft Fractures in the Elderly

Author Type(s)

Student

DOI

10.1007/s00068-025-02992-7

Journal Title

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Keywords

Geriatrics, Humeral shaft fracture, Orthopaedics, Trauma

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Purpose: As the global population ages, fractures among elderly individuals are increasing, with humeral shaft fractures (HSFs) comprising 3% of long bone fractures. While chronological age has been shown to influence surgical outcomes in elderly patients, there is paucity of literature examining age-specific differences in outcomes for HSF management. Given variations in bone quality, comorbid conditions, and functional status among elderly patients, an age-stratified approach may be necessary. This study aims to compare in-hospital outcomes following HSF fixation across geriatric age groups to inform treatment strategies. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample database (2015–2021) was queried for patients with HSFs and subsequent fixation. Patients were stratified into three groups: <65, 65–79, and ≥ 80 years. Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between each age group and adverse outcomes. A secondary analysis was done comparing patients ≥ 80 with those aged 65–79. Results: A total of 5,276 patients were included in the three-group analysis. Both the 65–79 and ≥ 80 cohorts had higher odds of extended length of stay (eLOS), non-home discharge (NHD), and acute kidney injury (AKI). Only the ≥ 80 group was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality. After excluding those < 65, 2,777 patients remained for the two-group analysis. The ≥ 80 group was associated with increased odds of mortality, eLOS, and NHD compared to patients aged 65–79. Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of considering an age-stratified approach to surgical management of HSFs in the elderly. These results provide further information for clinicians to help guide patients and family in clinical decision making for geriatric HSFs.

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