title: Flexible intramedullary pins in the treatment of unstable proximal humeral fractures.
abstract: A series of 35 proximal humeral fractures treated with flexible intramedullary pins between 1986 and 1988 are presented. Special design features of the pins include a proximal 15 degrees angulated 20 mm tip and a 20 mm curve distally. The method is suitable for fractures in the surgical neck with displacement of bone width (AO-type A2/2). In cases of fracture-dislocation or three- or four-part fractures it is only suitable when the fragments can be reduced satisfactorily. Complications are minimal with 95 per cent bone union.
authors.affiliation: Unfallkrankenhaus Lorenz Böhler, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zifko
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Poigenfürst
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pezzei
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stockley
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005599:Fractures, Ununited; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging