Modified rush pin technique for two- or three-part proximal humeral fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To report the outcomes of modified Rush pin fixation for proximal humeral fractures.


METHODS
42 men and 20 women aged 19 to 94 (mean, 64) years with 2- or 3-part proximal humeral fractures underwent reduction and fixation using the modified Rush pin technique. 11 patients died from reasons unrelated to the surgery.


RESULTS
Of 40 (out of 51) patients completing a subjective functional assessment using an Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire, 28 (70%) had 2-part and 10 (25%) had 3-part displaced fractures, and the remaining 2 (5%) had fracture-dislocations (one being 2-part and one 3-part). 25 (63%) patients were very satisfied (including one with a 3-part fracture after 6 months of rehabilitation), 7 (17%) were moderately satisfied, and 8 (20%) were not satisfied. There were 8 complications, including pin cut-out from the proximal fragment (n=2), proximal pin migration (n=2), distal pin migration (n=1), cortical perforation during surgery (n=1), mild ulnar nerve symptoms (n=1). No patients had non-union, myositis ossificans, avascular necrosis of the humeral head, or axillary nerve injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified Rush pin fixation minimises tissue dissection; the implants are cheap and readily available; and the technical expertise is easily learnt. This technique is a suitable alternative of fixing proximal humeral fractures, especially in the elderly.
Mallick
A
A
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom. amallickus@yahoo.com
Hearth
M
M
Singh
S
S
Pandey
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult