Helix wire osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fractures: unacceptable nonunion rate in two- and three-part fractures.
BACKGROUND
Fractures of the proximal humerus are very common, but controversy still exists about the preferred type of operative treatment in displaced fractures.


METHODS
We followed 15 patients (12 female and 3 male, average age 70 years) with 15 dislocated type II (9) and III (6) proximal humeral fractures after helix wire osteosynthesis.


RESULTS
A nonunion developed in seven cases (47%). Three patients were reoperated (prosthesis: 2, repair: 1). Seven patients were available for follow-up (average: 14 months). Three patients had a Constant score of 80 or more and four patients had a score under 70 points.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the helix wire osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fractures are poor and we do not recommend its further use.
Raissadat
K
K
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Rijnstate Arnhem, P.O. Box 9555, 6800 TA, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Struben
P-J
PJ
van Loon
C J M
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome