18 Mar Upper Arm Fractures: Comordid Conditions Linked to More Opioids and Longer Hospital Stays

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Cagle

Paul Cagle, Jr. MD
Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings ie What are some of the significant comorbidities? 

Response: In this study our goal was to better understand what medical issues (medical comorbidities) can cause trouble or issue for patients with a proximal humerus fracture (shoulder fracture).  To tackle this issue we used a large national sample of patients and sorted our the different medical issues the patients had.

We found that patients with increased medical issues had longer hospital stays and higher use of opioid medications (pain medications).

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: When a patient or a loved one has a proximal humerus fracture it should be addressed carefully.  If that individual has other major medical issues they may need a longer hospital stay or have the risk of needing additional pain medications.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: This study demonstrates the importance of carefully addressing needs of patients with major medical issues who present with a proximal humerus fracture.  We at Mt Sinai, focus on this issue and ensure patients with shoulder fractures are well cared for.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Response: A shoulder fracture can be a significant issue. It is important for patients with these fractures to ensure they are getting the care they need.

Citation: AAOS abstract

Shoulder and Elbow/Humerus Bone Fractures
Paper Presentation: Impact of Increasingly Comorbidity Burden on Resource Utilization in Patients with Proximal Humerus Fractures
Date:  Friday, March 15th

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Last Updated on March 18, 2019 by Marie Benz MD FAAD