Displaced proximal humeral fractures: intramedullary nailing versus conservative treatment.
BACKGROUND
A variety of different treatment options are available for displaced three- or four-part fractures. In a retrospective cohort study we evaluated the results of intramedullary nailing with the ACE nail and conservative treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients suffered a neer 4, 5 or 6 proximal humeral fracture who were treated with intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients received conservative treatment for their Neer 4, 5 or 6 fracture.


RESULTS
Taking critical remarks in consideration, the results of intramedullary nailing are not very satisfactory compared to the conservative-treated group. However functional results of our operative group are comparable to those from other studies in literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Displaced three- or four-part proximal humeral fractures can be treated by intramedullary nailing. Familiarity with the fracture deformity and experience with the surgical techniques are critical for successful operative treatment outcome. Most complications in the operative treatment group can be avoided; inadequate reduction can lead to wrong insertion place with secondary problems (dislocation and subacromial impingement). Also future improvements in osteosynthesis like angle stable screw fixation (osteoporosis) and minimally invasive device will probably decrease the complication rate.
van den Broek
Chris M
CM
Department of Orthopedics, AIOS Orthopedic Surgery, Sint Maartenskliniek, P.O. Box 9011, 6500 GM Nijmegen, The Netherlands. cmvandenbroek@hotmail.com
van den Besselaar
Marijn
M
Coenen
Jean M F
JM
Vegt
Paul A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy