Proximal humerus fragility fractures: recent trends in nonoperative and operative treatment in the Medicare population.

Background: With an aging population, fragility fractures including injuries to the proximal humerus continue to rise in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate recent trends in the incidence and treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in a cross-sectional elderly population.

Methods: Medicare data from 2005 to 2012 were queried to identify patients treated for PHF.

Managing difficult airway in patients with post-burn mentosternal and circumoral scar contractures.

Securing the airway is a crucial aspect during reconstructive surgeries of patients with extensive post-burn mentosternal scar contractures; however, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Difficult Airway Management Algorithm recommendation of initial direct laryngoscopy may not be appropriate for these complicated patients. Consequently, there is a significant risk for failure of intubation and airway emergency. We suggest that initial attempts at securing the airway be made with indirect laryngoscopy.