title: The Polarus intramedullary nail for proximal humeral fractures: outcome in 28 patients followed for 1 year.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the new treatment options for proximal humeral fractures is the minimally invasive intramedullary nail. In this study, we reviewed the early clinical results after 1 year.
  
  
  METHODS
  35 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated using the Polarus nail. In 14 cases the initial treatment was operative; the other 21 patients were initially treated nonoperatively. 19 patients had a 2-part fracture, 5 had a 3-part fracture and 2 had a 4-part fracture. In 9 patients the fracture extended metaphyseally. The functional outcome was assessed by the Constant score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  28 patients were available for 1-year followup. 17 patients showed excellent functional outcome (with an average Constant score of 81%). 6 patients required revision surgery, 1 because of nonunion and 1 because of an avascular necrosis. 4 others were reoperated because of inadequate position of the osteosynthesis or migration of the screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Polarus nail is of value for (displaced) 2-, 3-, and even 4-part proximal humeral fractures and enables early postoperative mobilization with a limited amount of pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Traumatology, Medical Centre Haaglanden, the Hague.
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sosef
authors.forename: Ilse
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stobbe
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hogervorst
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mommers
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verbruggen
authors.forename: Maarten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van der Elst
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rhemrev
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012086:Reoperation; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome