title: Fixation of proximal humeral fractures with the Polarus nail.
abstract: Thirty patients with fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by internal fixation with an intramedullary locked nail. Fourteen of these patients were more than 60 years of age; 23 patients had 2-part fractures (surgical neck fractures) and were operated on within an average of 3 days after injury. At follow-up, 20 (80%) of 25 patients showed satisfactory to excellent functional outcomes, as measured by Constant score. All but 1 fracture progressed to clinical and radiologic union. The good functional results indicate that the Polarus nail is a satisfactory mechanical device that can be used in the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in both the young and the elderly with osteopenic bone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Rotherham District General Hospital, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rajasekhar
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bhamra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome