Minimal invasive fixation of proximal humeral fractures with an intramedullary nail: good results in elderly patients.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the results of a minimally invasive technique for the fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures with a locked intramedullary nail.


METHODS
All consecutive patients treated with a T2 intramedullary nail between 2004 and 2007 were evaluated. Thirty-three patients were included [mean age 78, m:f ratio (1:4)]. Fracture characteristics were classified according to AO and Neer (eighteen 2-part, eleven 3-part, five 4-part fractures).


RESULTS
Functional outcome (Constant Score) was excellent in nine, satisfactory in eight and poor in three patients. Subjective outcome was satisfactory to good for patients with 2-part and 3-part fractures but poor for 4-part fractures. Major complications comprised four fixation failures, two cases of impingement and one deep infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive fixation of displaced 2-part and 3-part humeral fractures in an elderly population shows satisfactory to excellent results in 80% of patients.
Sosef
Nico
N
Department of Surgery, Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague, The Netherlands. nico.sosef@gmail.com
van Leerdam
Roderick
R
Ott
Pieter
P
Meylaerts
Sven
S
Rhemrev
Steven
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome