title: Percutaneous intramedullary pinning of proximal humeral fractures.
abstract: Proximal humeral fractures can usually be treated closed. However, even with an adequate closed reduction, these fractures are occasionally unstable, fail to remain reduced, and require operative intervention. A percutaneous intramedullary pinning technique is effective in stabilizing these fractures. Two cases that illustrate the adult and pediatric techniques for pin placement/application are presented. In the pediatric population, however, large multiple pins often cannot be used due to the size of the intramedullary canal, and fewer or smaller diameter pins are used.
authors.affiliation: Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Markel
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Donley
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Blasier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D012867:Skin