A morphological study of age-related changes in medullary characteristics of proximal humerus

• Published in: Chinese medical journal Vol. 135; no. 3; pp. 359 - 361
• Main Authors: Zhang, Wei, Chang, Zuhao, Li, Jiantao, Tang, Peifu, Chen, Hua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 30-06-2021; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies; Wolters Kluwer
• Subjects: Age; Correspondence; Fractures; Humans; Humerus - diagnostic imaging; Morphology; Normal distribution; Orthopedics; Regression analysis; Shoulder; Shoulder Fractures; Software; Trauma; Belgium; Beijing China; China
• ISSN: 0366-6999; 2542-5641
• DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000001597

[1,4,5] This may be because of a lack of understanding of the morphological changes that take place in the proximal humerus at different ages. [...]in this study, we analyzed and compared the anatomical degeneration pattern of the medullary canal between older and younger patients to have a better understanding of the medullary morphology of proximal humerus anatomically and the application of endosteal support clinically. [...]the section of the medullary canal at the level of the SP was calibrated, the best fitting circle of the section was obtained using the automatic fitting arc function of 3-matic software, and the diameter (Ds) of the circle was measured [Figure 1F]. [...]in older patients, expansion of the proximal humeral medullary cavity renders the medullary cavity irregular, which does not anatomically match with the shape of the existing nails or struts [Figure 1G]. [...]a more effective anatomical supporting augment is needed for the treatment of older patients. [...]compared with younger patients, the medullary canal of the proximal humerus expanded significantly, especially the medial offset, showing an “eggshell”-like cavity structure in older patients.