The Polarus intramedullary nail for proximal humeral fractures: outcome in 28 patients followed for 1 year.
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.
Sosef
Nico
N
Department of Surgery and Traumatology, Medical Centre Haaglanden, the Hague.
Stobbe
Ilse
I
Hogervorst
Mike
M
Mommers
Lars
L
Verbruggen
Jan
J
van der Elst
Maarten
M
Rhemrev
Steven
S
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