The DRoPH score: development of a tool for predicting reduction difficulty in proximal humerus fracture osteosynthesis.

backgroundProximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are among the most common and challenging fractures due to complex anatomy and variable fracture patterns. While anatomical reduction is critical for successful outcomes, no tool currently predicts the intraoperative difficulty of achieving it. Despite advances in surgical techniques, complications persist. Existing classification systems, such as Codman's, Neer's, AO/OTA, and Mayo-FJD, focus on fracture morphology and displacement but do not address intraoperative complexity. This study aims to develop a new score for the early prediction of intraoperative reduction difficulty in proximal humerus fracture surgery, the DRoPH score (Difficulty of Reduction of Proximal Humerus Fractures).

methodsAn online survey was conducted among experienced upper extremity surgeons in Switzerland to identify factors influencing the difficulty of reducing and retaining proximal humerus fractures. Inclusion criteria for surgeon grading comprised experience with more than 100 surgically treated proximal humerus fractures. Eligible surgeons rated the relevance of factors influencing reduction difficulty using a five-point Likert scale. A rank-based weighting system derived from expert ratings was applied, assigning two points to the three highest-ranked factors. The resulting DRoPH-Score ranged from 0 to 10, with higher values indicating greater surgical complexity.

resultsEleven shoulder surgeons fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the survey, identifying the number of fracture fragments, metaphyseal comminution, and fracture-dislocation as the most significant factors influencing surgical difficulty, each with a mean rating > 4.0. These were followed by varus fracture pattern, poor bone quality (DTI < 1.4), anatomical neck fracture, and short calcar segment. Based on these results, a DRoPH-Score was developed, assigning two points to the top three factors and one point to the next four. Factors with lower influence received no points. The resulting score ranged from 0 to 10, with higher values indicating greater surgical complexity.

conclusionThe DRoPH criteria represent a structured expert-derived framework for estimating anticipated intraoperative reduction difficulty in proximal humerus fracture surgery, addressing a conceptual gap not specifically covered by existing classification systems. By quantifying factors identified by experienced surgeons as technically relevant, the criteria may support future applications in preoperative planning, resource allocation, and surgical training. Formal clinical validation, including assessment of operative time, reduction quality, complication rates, and reproducibility, is required before broader clinical implementation can be recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V - Expert opinion / survey-based score development.