[Treatment of two-part proximal humeral fractures with external fixators].
BACKGROUND
We aimed to evaluate the results of the closed manipulation or transcutaneous reduction and external fixation in the treatment of two-part fractures.


METHODS
Eight patients with two-part proximal humerus fractures who had been treated in our clinic with closed manipulation or transcutaneous reduction and external fixation between 1996-2001 were evaluated for this study. We evaluated the final functional status according to the Neer's classification system.


RESULTS
Mean age of the patients was 42 (21-75) years. The major aetiologic factor was motor vehicle accident (in 5 cases). Follow-up time was 2 to 4.5 years. Mean union time was 16 weeks (10 to 24). Nonunion and avascular necrosis of the humeral head have not been observed in none of the cases. Superficial pin tract infection was developed in three cases. All of them were treated successfully with antibiotics. Functional results according to Neer's classification were as follows: 5 good. 2 fair and 1 failed. Mean score 77, 25 (50 to 89).


CONCLUSIONS
External fixation of displaced two-part fractures of proximal humerus can be assessed as a reliable method with respect to satisfactory fracture reduction and stability, low rate of complications and good early functional results-obtained with this technique.
Altay
Taşkin
T
Tepecik Research and Training Hospital, Surgery Clinic. altayt@ttnet.net.tr
Karapinar
Levent
L
Kaya
Ahmet
A
Oztürk
Hasan
H
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016267:External Fixators / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology