Abstract
Mortality of patients after osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures (PHF) has been poorly studied in contrast to fractures of the proximal femur. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mortality of older patients with PHF undergoing surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients undergoing surgical treatment PHF between 2009-2019. Demographic data, Neer classification, and mortality of this cohort of patients were evaluated. Non-categorical variables were tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The unpaired t-test (parametric variables) was used. Categorical variables were tested by Fisher's exact test. A Kaplan-Meier mortality curve was constructed. RESULTS: 59 patients were evaluated. There was a predominance of females in the sixth decade of life. The most prevalent fractures were Neer's type III. The highest mortality occurred in the first 4 years after surgery (4.1 + 3.2 years). The only comorbidity capable of changing the survival curve was DM (p = 0.03) Conclusion: Overall mortality was 11.3%. The highest mortality occurred in the first 4 years of follow-up. Diabetic patients evolve with earlier mortality and have 7 times more chance of death. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.